Apple has appointed Johny Srouji (조니 스루지) as its top hardware chief.

The Verge reported on Sunday that the appointment takes effect immediately, with Srouji succeeding John Ternus (존 터너스), who previously led hardware engineering.

The move comes alongside Apple’s CEO succession timetable. Ternus is set to become CEO in September, succeeding Tim Cook (팀 쿡). Cook will move to chairman. Apple appears to be adjusting leadership of key product groups to match the next management structure.

Srouji joined Apple in 2008 and has served as senior vice president of hardware technologies. He is regarded as the figure who led Apple’s in-house chip strategy. He spearheaded internal chip development starting with the A4 and has been involved in developing core product technologies including batteries, cameras, storage controllers, sensors, displays and cellular modems.

In a statement, Cook called Srouji "one of the most brilliant talents I have ever worked with." He also said Srouji has played an unparalleled role in leading Apple’s silicon strategy, with influence extending beyond the company and across the industry.

As recently as last December, Srouji said he did not plan to leave the company for the time being as speculation grew about his future. At the time, reports in and outside Apple said he was reviewing his career path. With this promotion, Srouji will directly oversee the hardware organisation seen as central to Apple’s product competitiveness.

Apple has continued changes among senior executives over the past year amid shifts around its next leadership lineup. Sabih Khan (사비 칸) took over as chief operating officer, succeeding Jeff Williams (제프 윌리엄스). Amar Subramanya (아마르 수브라마냐) moved into a role leading Apple’s artificial intelligence push, replacing John Giannandrea (존 지안난드레아). The Srouji appointment is part of the same flow.

As the person who has led Apple’s internal chips and key component technologies takes charge of hardware overall, the likelihood has also risen that links between silicon and device design will be strengthened in future product development. Apple did not disclose specific operational changes or additional personnel plans in this announcement.

Ultimately, the move is seen as more than a simple promotion, and as part of Apple’s process of rebuilding the command structure of its core technology and product organisations ahead of the launch of the next CEO regime. How Srouji will lead hardware strategy across the iPhone, Mac and other devices, based on his experience with chips and component technologies, will be a point to watch.