Saori Casey, a former Apple Inc. executive and pioneering tech expert, is set to become the chief financial officer (CFO) at smart speaker manufacturer Sonos Inc. This move marks another significant departure from Apple’s executive team.
Casey will replace Eddie Lazarus as CFO on January 22. Lazarus, on the other hand, will transition to the role of chief strategy officer while continuing his duties as the chief legal officer at Sonos, according to the statement released by the audio product developer and manufacturer.
Having held the position of vice president of finance at Apple for over a decade, Casey brings with her an impressive track record. She was responsible for financial planning, forecasting, and investor relations during her tenure at the tech giant. Bloomberg reported her departure from Apple to join Sonos.
Prior to her time at Apple, Casey held various finance roles at Cisco Systems Inc. during a period of substantial growth. Sonos CEO Patrick Spence expressed his confidence in Casey, stating, “Her experience at world-class companies like Apple and Cisco make her perfectly suited to build on our momentum and seize the opportunity ahead.”
Casey’s transition to Sonos comes as the company expands into new markets such as headphones, diversifying its product offerings beyond its primary smart audio equipment sector.
This appointment is part of a series of executive departures from Apple. Tang Tan, an Apple iPhone design executive, is set to leave the tech giant in February to join a groundbreaking AI project. Tan will collaborate with Jony Ive, the founder of design studio LoveFrom, and Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, on this project.
In addition, Steve Hotelling, Apple’s vice president under hardware boss Johny Srouji, announced his retirement from the company in December. Hotelling was known for his contributions to the development of the iPhone’s screen technology and Touch ID.
As Sonos continues to innovate and expand its product portfolio, Casey’s expertise and experience will play a crucial role in the company’s future success. With her background at Apple and Cisco, she brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to the smart speaker manufacturer.
Sonos’ venture into new markets, coupled with the departure of key executives from Apple, highlights the dynamic nature of the tech industry. Companies are constantly evolving and adapting to stay ahead in a competitive market. Casey’s appointment is a strategic move for Sonos, positioning the company for continued growth and success.