Apple has been ahead of the curve in so many ways for so many years. So it should surprise no one that they recently made a move that could have huge implications for women in the tech sector. In October, Apple announced Angela Ahrendts would be joining the company as an executive Vice President answering to CEO Tim Cook.
In the coming months, Ahrendts will be assuming her responsibilities as Apple’s vice president in charge of Apple’s retail and online sales. The move couldn’t come at a better time for an industry that needs to make a concerted, visible effort to attract more women.
“I am thrilled that Angela will be joining our team,” said Cook. “She shares our values and our focus on innovation, and she places the same strong emphasis as we do on the customer experience. She has shown herself to be an extraordinary leader throughout her career and has a proven track record.”
Naturally, Ahrendts was equally effusive about her excitement at becoming part of the Apple family.
“I am profoundly honored to join Apple in this newly created position next year, and very much look forward to working with the global teams to further enrich the consumer experience on and offline,” said Ahrendts. “I have always admired the innovation and impact Apple products and services have on people’s lives and hope in some small way I can help contribute to the company’s continued success and leadership in changing the world.”
As Apple’s only female executive, Ahrendts will certainly prove to be an inspiration to women in the tech sector for years to come.
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The ever-evolving technology industry has been traditionally populated by males. And while women comprise 51 percent of the workforce, they only make up 26 percent of tech professionals. This lack of diversity limits the potential for innovation in this exciting and important field. OWC’s Women in Tech articles featured on the OWC Blog aim to examine what can be done to attract more women to the industry by highlighting prominent tech professionals, current events, and other relevant stories from within the tech sector. To gain new insight, it is imperative that we tap into the female working population. This progress can be made not only spreading the word and promoting the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (or STEM) fields from an early age to encourage interest and pursuit, but also by demonstrating that tech companies require alternative skill sets such as marketing, design and writing as well. We hope that you will share this series and help us advocate the complete utilization of this important resource.
