Apple’s incoming CEO recruits retired hardware VP

Incoming Apple ↗ 1.96% CEO John Ternus has brought Laura Legros, a former vice president of hardware engineering who retired in 2022, back to the company as he assembles his leadership team ahead of taking over on September 1.

A Trusted Deputy Returns

Legros will report directly to Ternus when he assumes the CEO role, according to Bloomberg, which first reported the news on Monday. She will serve as a vice president working cross-functionally across different parts of the company.bloomberg+1

During her previous tenure at Apple, Legros helped manage product delivery, development schedules, and coordination across engineering teams. She was one of Ternus's most trusted deputies before retiring and had a public-facing role at Apple events, introducing the 2018 MacBook Air and the 2020 iPad Air.9to5mac+1

Transition Preparations Underway

The hire is part of broader preparations for the leadership transition from Tim Cook, who will remain at Apple as executive chairman engaging with policymakers globally. Over the past several months, Ternus has been shadowing Cook and helping lead executive meetings, meeting with leaders across the company, and participating in road-map reviews for multiple divisions.9to5mac+1

Legros's cross-functional role comes as Apple restructures its hardware leadership. Johny Srouji is set to take on a newly established Chief Hardware Officer position consolidating hardware engineering and hardware technologies under one umbrella.appleinsider

Looking Ahead

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman noted that Ternus will face a wave of executive changes in the coming years as multiple members of Apple's leadership team approach retirement age, including App Store head Phil Schiller and Luca Maestri, who oversees real estate and information systems. The recruitment of Legros suggests Ternus is moving to shore up his inner circle with experienced operators he trusts as he navigates these transitions.9to5mac