At the helm of Intel Corporation’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategy, Barbara Whye will transition to lead Apple’s D&I commitments in 2021. (Photo: FORTUNE Most Powerful Women Summit 2019)
A veteran on issues of representation in the technology industry will transition her expertise from Intel Corporation to Apple in 2021.
Apple has hired Barbara Whye as the company’s new vice president of inclusion and diversity. Whye’s current title at Intel Corp. is Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer & VP, Human Resources.
Whye joined Intel in 1995 as an engineer, gradually advancing to take on various roles within the company, such as leading engineering projects to start new Intel facilities worldwide.
At Cupertino-based Apple, Whye will replace Christie Smith who left the company in June.
Apple is outspoken in its advocacy for national diversity and inclusion movements. After the death of George Floyd in May, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced a $100 million racial justice initiative.
Whye will report directly to Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s current SVP of retail and people.
During her reign at Intel, the chipmaker met many of its representation goals across its nearly 111,000-person workforce two years ahead of schedule.
READ MORE: Intel Diversity Report Shows Increase in Native and Female Workforce Representation
“Now, she will bring her immense talents and deep experience to Apple, expanding our companywide effort to hire, develop and retain the world-class talent, at all levels, that reflects the communities we serve,” said Apple spokesperson Kristin Huguet in a written statement.
Apple’s diversity website shows that underrepresented minorities accounted for 24% of the company’s U.S employee base in 2018, and the same year, 53% of new U.S. hires were from underrepresented groups. That said, according to current data as of December 2018, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders made up just 1% of the overall workforce and new hires that year.
