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Apple stands not only for technology and design, but also for strong leadership. One of these is Deirdre O'Brien. She has been with the company for over 35 years and has now been included in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business for the seventh consecutive year. This makes her one of the few women to maintain their position in the top echelons of corporate leadership for years.
If you want to know how Apple manages its global retail operations, how employees are supported and trained around the world, or who is responsible for issues like diversity, inclusion, and corporate culture, you'll quickly land on Deirdre O'Brien. She's Apple's Senior Vice President of "Retail + People." This means she oversees both global retail and the entire human resources function. Fortune's inclusion of her on the list again demonstrates her importance within the company and the industry.
Back at number 67 at Fortune
In 2025, O'Brien was ranked 67th on Fortune's list . Only 20 of the more than 50 women who hold leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies even made the ranking. According to Fortune, this underscores how fierce the competition is among top women in business. Deirdre O'Brien is no stranger to this list: she has been included on the list for the seventh consecutive year. Her long career at Apple, her role in the retail expansion, and her responsibility for key HR issues make her a key figure at Apple.
Dual responsibility: Retail and personnel
O'Brien previously led the HR function from 2017 to 2023. Carol Surface then assumed the role as Apple's first Chief People Officer. At the end of 2024, following Surface's departure, O'Brien returned to this role—in addition to her role as head of Worldwide Retail. This includes overseeing recruiting, talent development, internal training through Apple University, compensation models, benefits, and diversity and inclusion programs.
Global expansion of Apple Stores
Last year, O'Brien oversaw the opening of new Apple Stores in the US, China, Spain, and Sweden. Most notably, the first-ever Apple Store opened in Malaysia. Additional locations are planned for 2025 in India, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and again in the US. This is driving expansion not only in established markets but also in emerging markets, which are becoming increasingly important for Apple's economy.
Experience meets change
Following Angela Ahrendts' departure, O'Brien took over as head of Apple's retail operations in 2019 – at a time when Apple was facing several challenges. Among other things, iPhone sales in brick-and-mortar stores needed to be revitalized. In addition, there was the task of dealing with the changes in the world of work triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Another point: In recent years, there have been increasing attempts to unionize Apple Stores. O'Brien must also address this development – a challenge that requires sensitivity and experience.
Education and background
Deirdre O'Brien holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from San Jose State University. She has spent her entire career at Apple—over 35 years in various roles. Today, she is one of the most well-known executives at the company and in the entire tech industry.
O'Brien stands for stability and development at Apple
Deirdre O'Brien is a prime example of the importance of long-term experience, adaptability, and strategic thinking in corporate leadership. Her work at Apple ranges from store openings in new markets to key HR issues. Her inclusion in Fortune's 2025 list is no coincidence—it's the result of many years of consistent work in a key position within the company. Apple benefits from this in all areas related to people, structures, and the global brand. (Image: Apple)
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