Jony Ive’s departure from Apple puts Evans Hankey in charge of the Industrial Design team that created everything from the iMac to the iPhone — a position critical to the future of the company. Her new title is VP of Industrial Design,

Jony Ive’s role was so large that that two people will be needed to replace him. Alan Dye will be VP of Human Interface Design, so he’ll be leading the software group.

Big shoes to fill

After taking a 2-year break to design Apple Park headquarter, Ive resumed day-to-day control of both the industrial and software design teams in 2017. Dye had been head of the software design team while Ive was busy being an architect so he’s familiar with the position. He’ll take responsibility for handling iOS, macOS, iPadOS and other software.

Hankey has been on the design team for years, and managed their studio. She has more than 300 patents to her name. She’ll be the first woman to take charge of the famous Industrial Design team that shaped so many iconic Apple products.

These two have kept a low profile up until now, but Apple says “Both Dye and Hankey have played key leadership roles on Apple’s design team for many years.”

Apple’s new org chart

Ive worked directly with CEO Tim Cook, but Dye and Hankey will report to Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, who’ll take a more hands-on role.

“Williams has led the development of Apple Watch since its inception and will spend more of his time working with the design team in their studio,” said a statement from Apple.

Ive will still work with the company. “Apple will continue to benefit from Jony’s talents by working directly with him on exclusive projects, and through the ongoing work of the brilliant and passionate design team he has built,” said Cook.