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Fortune recently unveiled its list of the Most Powerful Women in Business for 2025, and once again, Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail and People, has secured a well-deserved spot. Her seventh consecutive appearance highlights not only her career achievements but also the growing influence of women in the upper echelons of the corporate world. In this article, we explore O’Brien’s remarkable career and the factors contributing to her ongoing success at Apple.
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Deirdre O’Brien has made an impressive mark in the corporate world, being named to the Fortune list of the Most Powerful Women in Business for the seventh consecutive year. In 2025, she ranks 67th on the prestigious list, an indication of the fierce competition among powerful women in business today. O’Brien is one of only 20 Fortune 500 CEOs featured, emphasizing the significance of her continued presence on the list.
With over 35 years of experience at Apple, O’Brien plays a critical role in overseeing the company’s global retail expansion, including emerging markets. She manages Apple’s diverse retail teams and ensures key functions such as training, development, compensation, benefits, and diversity and inclusion are continually evolving. In March of 2025, she was given the added responsibility of managing Apple’s People team, a position she previously held from 2017 to 2023.
In the past year, O’Brien has overseen significant global retail openings, including new stores in the U.S., China, Spain, and Sweden, as well as Apple’s first-ever retail location in Malaysia. Plans are also in place for store openings in India, the U.S., Japan, and the UAE in 2025.
O’Brien’s career trajectory has been anything but predictable. When she took over the role previously held by Angela Ahrendts, her main focus was on revitalizing iPhone sales through Apple’s retail network. She also navigated the challenges of unionization efforts at retail locations and the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workplace. Despite a brief shift in leadership with the appointment of Carol Surface as Chief People Officer, O’Brien resumed leadership of the People team in late 2024 following Surface’s departure.
What Undercode Say:
Deirdre O’Brien’s inclusion in the 2025 list of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business offers valuable insights into the broader trends affecting Apple’s retail and human resources strategies. O’Brien’s leadership in driving Apple’s global retail expansion while focusing on emerging markets like Malaysia and India signals Apple’s ambition to strengthen its position in international markets. Furthermore, her expertise in overseeing key functions such as diversity and inclusion, training at Apple University, and compensation packages indicates that she is more than just a figurehead—she is deeply involved in shaping Apple’s corporate culture.
Apple’s success is not just about hardware and software innovation; it is equally about the quality of its workforce and the culture that empowers them. O’Brien’s role as Senior Vice President of People and Retail reflects Apple’s strategic approach to managing and retaining top talent, all while ensuring the company remains agile in the face of global challenges like unionization efforts and post-pandemic workplace transformations.
Looking ahead, O’Brien’s leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role as Apple continues to expand into new territories. With O’Brien at the helm, Apple’s commitment to providing a seamless customer experience through its retail stores, alongside innovative employee initiatives, sets the company apart in an increasingly competitive tech landscape.
Deirdre O’Brien’s return to managing the People team after the departure of Carol Surface signals a renewed focus on internal culture at Apple. This move is likely to streamline Apple’s talent management, employee engagement, and workforce development efforts, ensuring that the company continues to attract and retain the best in the business. Furthermore, with retail expansions underway in diverse regions like China, Spain, and the UAE, it’s clear that O’Brien’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities of different markets and consumer preferences.
Fact Checker Results:
1. Deirdre
- Apple’s retail expansion into emerging markets like Malaysia and India is indeed a part of their global growth strategy.
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Prediction:
As Apple continues to expand globally, Deirdre O’Brien’s leadership in emerging markets will likely influence not only retail strategies but also Apple’s broader growth initiatives. Expect a stronger emphasis on localizing customer experiences and adapting to market-specific trends, while simultaneously fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation at Apple.
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Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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