According to Bloomberg, Apple has appointed Carol Surface as its new chief people officer. The Surface will answer directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Deirdre O’Brien, head of retail at Apple, had been in charge of the “people” position. Still, Apple has now hired a specific person to take over those responsibilities.
O’Brien will remain in charge of Apple’s retail division. Still, Surface will be in charge of the People team, also known as Human Resources at most businesses. With a focus on talent development, hiring, benefits, employee relations, compensation, inclusion and diversity, Apple University, and other areas, that team at Apple is geared to support Apple in its efforts to connect with and care for its employees.
Surface joins Apple from Medtronic, where she is now Chief Human Resources Officer. She has worked for Pepsi and Best Buy in addition to Medtronic for more than nine years. Apple plans to launch the Surface in March.