Angela Ahrendts Transformed Apple Retail

When Angela Ahrendts joined Apple in 2014, she inherited a retail operation in crisis. 

Despite launching in 2001 with Steve Jobs and Ron Johnson's revolutionary store concept, Apple Retail was struggling with leadership instability, warring online and retail divisions, and no integrated customer experience.

Ahrendts inherited 50,000+ employees and three major problems.

Her solution?   She didn't focus on technology or merchandising strategies.

She focused on hiring.

Ahrendts completely transformed Apple's retail by finding people who could create human connections - hiring for empathy, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills rather than just technical expertise. 

She also built a leadership team that elevated Apple Stores from transactional spaces into experiential destinations.

The results?  Apple Stores became vibrant community hubs while competitors' stores sat empty.  Apple Retail became the most profitable retail operation per square foot in the world.

Ahrendts proved that a leader who masters hiring can transform any organization.

Great leaders have powerful visions and strategies.  But they achieve significance by hiring people who passionately share their vision, match their culture, and exceed the needs of the role.

Want a stronger organization?

Work with one of our Hire the Best coaches to master the hiring discipline that separates good companies from great ones.

Learn how to attract, assess, and add top talent who'll help you achieve your vision.