Apple has today announced that Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s Retail Chief will be leaving in April. However, Deirdre O’Brien, a 30-year Apple veteran will be taking on a newly expanded role as senior vice president of Retail + People.
Angela Ahrendts joined Apple back in 2014, after leaving high-end fashion company Burberry as a CEO. The same year in which Apple revealed the first Apple Watch – with a heavy focus on fashion. During her time with Apple, Angela has overseen the transformation of Apple Retail Stores. With the roll-out of next-generation store designs, Today At Apple sessions, and new store openings. In fact, Apple now has 506 Retail Stores around the world.
Angela will leave Apple in April for new “new personal and professional pursuits.”.
Deirdre O’Brien
Deirdre O’Brien, a 30-year Apple veteran has already been chosen as a replacement. Her new and expanded role, senior vice president of Retail + People will see her reporting to CEO Tim Cook. O’Brien will lead Apple’s global retail reach with more than three decades of experience at Apple, with a focus on ‘the connection between the customer and the people and processes that service them.’.
“People come to Apple to do the best work of their lives, and our retail teams show their passion every day, in every interaction, all around the world,” said Deirdre O’Brien, senior vice president of Retail + People. “It is the opportunity of a lifetime to work with, and learn from, such a talented, diverse and imaginative team. I am looking forward to this journey, and to continuing the important work of the People team in supporting all of Apple’s amazing employees.”
Further, she will continue to lead the People team, which sees O’Brien overseeing all People-related functions. From recruiting, business partnerships, inclusion and diversity, talent development, and more.
