Big names at Apple are leaving, is Tim Cook next?

This year has been a rather odd one for Apple: what with the awkward iPhone 16 launch and the multitude of incomplete or downright broken software updates. But is it time to leave the company? Some people seem to think so.

A few days ago the Chief People Officer at Apple — Carol Surface — left the company after less than two years of working there. This wasn’t some minor role either: it was created specifically for Surface and she reported directly to CEO Tim Cook. Surface helped Apple separate its retail division from its HR operations. According to reports, the company decided to eliminate her position and let her go.

Now, Bloomberg’s Apple insider Mark Gurman reports that Apple’s top recruiter has also left the company. Sjoerd Gehring has worked at Apple for around six years and handled talent management, recruiting, administration and immigration. Gehring’s decision to leave for Miami-based firm Citadel may be in response to the elimination of Carol Surface’s position at Apple.

Apple CFO Luca Maestri is also leaving the company after over 10 years. It seems Tim Cook’s strategy to keep investors around after Steve Job’s passing may finally be coming to an end. Which raises the question, is he next in line?