Apple confirmed on Tuesday that HR chief Denise Young Smith is moving to a new role as VP of diversity and inclusion. In the newly created post she will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook. The company's HR efforts, for now, will report to CFO Luca Maestri though it is widely understood that is temporary and that the company will hire a new HR chief.

What it means: The move gives more prominence to Apple's diversity effort, which Cook has already made a priority. Like other tech firms, Apple's workforce remains largely male and white, even with concerted efforts to boost inclusion.

"Denise's years of experience, expertise and passion will help us make an even greater impact in this area," Apple said in a statement to Axios.