Jony Ive has revolutionized Apple's product design and taken it to the next level.
It only makes sense, then, to have him lead Apple's product design department.
Ive has managed Apple's design endeavors for many years as its senior vice president of design. However, Apple wants to take Ive to the next level. That's why Apple has promoted the British designer to chief design officer, a new position made specifically for Ive.
Ive's work will be split between two positions. Richard Howarth will become the new VP of industrial design, where he will focus on hardware design. Howarth has an extensive history in working and designing iPhones, and has been involved with the mobile device since the first generation. Software designer Alan Dye will become the VP of user interface design. Dye played a major part in the iOS 7 redesign, as well as the Apple Watch OS.
But if Jony Ive isn't handling software or hardware, then what is he in charge of? 9to5Mac notes that "Ive's new role will still leave him in charge of the company's hardware and software design teams overall, but allowing others to handle the day-to-day affairs of each design group will free him up for other tasks. Among those other tasks, Ive says, is a focus on the design of Apple's retail stores and new campus." Ive will also help design new furniture for Apple employees.
Ive's change in position was announced inside a profile in the Telegraph, where Ive met with Stephen Fry and shared how Apple founder Steve Jobs and Apple CEO Tim Cook changed his life.
