Executive Departures Present Opportunity for AI Strategy Revamp as Evercore Rates Apple (AAPL.US) "Outperform"

Stock News
Dec 10

Despite recent high-profile executive departures at Apple (AAPL.US), Evercore advises investors to "stay calm," asserting these exits do not signal a crisis for the tech giant. Evercore ISI analyst Amit Daryanani noted in a client report, "While the concentrated announcements naturally raise questions, the pattern suggests a controlled generational transition and strategic realignment rather than turmoil." Daryanani maintained an "Outperform" rating on Apple with a $325 price target.

He highlighted that certain personnel changes—particularly Alan Dye’s move to Meta (META.US)—could represent a "net positive" for Apple. Daryanani explained the timing aligns with Apple’s AI strategy "reset," allowing new leadership to take on expanded roles. The same day the report was issued, Apple’s SVP of Hardware Technologies, Johny Srouji, publicly dismissed speculation about his potential departure. In a team memo, Srouji stated, "I’m proud of our groundbreaking work across displays, cameras, chips, and batteries—all powering Apple’s industry-leading products. I have no plans to leave."

Nevertheless, Apple has undergone multiple executive shifts. General Counsel Kate Adams, in the role since 2017, will be succeeded by Jennifer Newstead on March 1, while VP of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson retires in January 2026. Separately, SVP of Machine Learning and AI Strategy John Giannandrea will transition to an advisory role ahead of his 2026 retirement, with Microsoft (MSFT.US) AI researcher Amar Subramanya taking his position. Earlier this year, COO Jeff Williams retired, succeeded by longtime Apple executive Sabih Khan, while ex-CFO Luca Maestri shifted to lead enterprise services.

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