Apple may have lost another HR executive to this investment firm, here's how the exits may be connected

Apple 's VP of talent and recruiting head, Sjoerd Gehring , is reportedly leaving the company. Gehring is expected to take on the role of Chief People Officer at Miami-based investment firm Citadel . This departure follows the recent exit of Apple's first-ever Chief People Officer, Carol Surface , within less than 2 years. Gehring's departure is also likely related to the elimination of the Chief People Officer position at Apple.

In a recent report, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote: “Apple Inc.’s top recruiting executive is leaving to become the chief people officer at investment firm Citadel, according to people with knowledge of the matter, marking another major departure for the iPhone maker’s tumultuous human resources team.

Sjoerd Gehring, a vice president who oversaw Apple talent management , immigration, recruiting and administration of its global HR team, is joining the Miami-based hedge fund next month, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the news hasn’t been shared publicly.”

How Apple’s latest departures may be related

Gehring’s departure may be due to the recent restructuring of Apple's leadership and a string of high-profile departures.

The exit follows the departure of Apple's first Chief People Officer, Carol Surface, whose role was absorbed by retail head Deirdre O'Brien. This restructuring effectively eliminated the Chief People Officer position, limiting Gehring's advancement opportunities within Apple.

The latest departure adds to a growing list of executive shakeups at Apple, including transitions for the CFO, head of procurement, and long-time hardware leader.

In August, Apple reportedly laid off nearly 100 contractors in its services division, marking a notable shift in the division's priorities.

Another Bloomberg report claimed that the job cuts mainly affected the Apple Books and Apple Bookstore team, as the company shifted resources towards artificial intelligence programs. Despite the job cuts, Apple News remains a key focus for the company.