Carol Surface is Apple’s First Chief People Officer

Apple Inc. has made a change in its executive team by naming its first chief people officer. Carol Surface, previously of the health technology giant Medtronic, has been nominated to the new position and will take over human resources duties from Deirdre O’Brien, who will remain as head of retail.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook allegedly stated in a note to staff that Surface will join the firm in March and report directly to him.

Surface, with her significant expertise, will be in charge of directing the computer giant’s worldwide staff of nearly 164,000 people.

This reorganization represents a significant shift in Apple’s management structure, elevating the HR function and allowing O’Brien to focus on the company’s retail operations.

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The decision reflects Apple’s commitment to supporting and empowering its employees as the business grows into new nations and faces hurdles such as unionization campaigns in US shops.

This rearrangement comes on the heels of other recent changes in Apple’s leadership team, including greater responsibility for Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams and new tasks for Adrian Perica, head of corporate development.

Apple intends to develop a robust HR infrastructure to better serve its workers and push the company forward with the appointment of Surface as its first ever human resources chief.