Apple’s Trailblazing Diversity Pioneer
In May 2017, Denise Young Smith made history by becoming Apple’s first-ever vice president of diversity and inclusion. Her appointment marked a significant milestone for the tech giant, signaling its commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Young Smith’s ascension to this groundbreaking role was a testament to her extensive experience and expertise in human resources. Prior to her historic appointment, she served as Apple’s head of worldwide human resources for three years.
A Catalyst for Diversity and Innovation
Upon assuming the role, Young Smith’s mission was clear: to drive meaningful change within Apple’s workforce and promote an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds were valued and empowered.
“We deeply believe that diversity drives innovation,” an Apple spokesperson stated at the time, expressing the company’s enthusiasm for welcoming such an accomplished leader to spearhead its diversity initiatives.
Laying the Foundation for Progress
During her tenure, Young Smith played a pivotal role in shaping Apple’s diversity and inclusion strategy. Under her leadership, the company released its first diversity report in November 2017, providing a transparent overview of the company’s workforce composition.
The report revealed that, as of July 2017, Apple’s workforce was 32% female worldwide. In the United States, the company’s racial and ethnic breakdown consisted of 54% white, 13% Hispanic, 9% Black, 21% Asian, 3% multiracial, and 1% other.
Challenges and Transition
Despite her groundbreaking contributions, Young Smith’s tenure as Apple’s diversity chief was relatively short-lived. In November 2017, it was announced that she would be leaving the company by the end of the year.
The decision followed a controversial statement Young Smith made during a summit in Bogotá, Colombia, where she suggested that being “diverse” could also refer to white men, sparking backlash and prompting an apology from the executive.
Passing the Torch
As Young Smith prepared to depart, Apple named Christie Smith, a principal at Deloitte with over 17 years of experience in talent management, organizational design, and diversity solutions, as her successor.
Christie Smith’s appointment signaled a continuation of Apple’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as she assumed the mantle of leading the company’s efforts to build a more representative and equitable workforce.
A Lasting Legacy
While Denise Young Smith’s tenure was brief, her historic appointment as Apple’s first head of diversity and inclusion left an indelible mark on the company’s culture and values. Her pioneering efforts laid the foundation for ongoing progress, serving as a catalyst for driving meaningful change within the tech industry and beyond.
