Apple Elevates Carson Oliver and Appoints Steve Smith as M&A Head

WHO:

Techmeme - Carson Oliver has been promoted to VP of the App Store at Apple.

IJR - Steve Smith has been named the head of mergers and acquisitions at Apple.

IJR - Adrian Perica is the outgoing M&A chief and will continue to oversee iCloud, Fitness+, and News.

WHAT:

Techmeme - Apple has appointed Steve Smith as the new M&A chief, replacing Adrian Perica.

IJR - Carson Oliver has been promoted to lead the App Store as part of leadership changes at Apple.

WHERE:

Techmeme - The changes are taking place at Apple Inc.

WHY:

IJR - The leadership changes are part of a restructuring under CEO John Ternus.

HOW:

Techmeme - The appointments were made based on internal decisions within Apple, as indicated by sources familiar with the matter.

(UPDATED October 8, 2026 22:06 UTC)

Apple has made significant leadership changes, promoting Carson Oliver to Vice President of the App Store and appointing Steve Smith as the new head of mergers and acquisitions, taking over from Adrian Perica. Perica will continue to oversee iCloud, Fitness+, and News as part of this restructuring under CEO John Ternus. These appointments reflect internal decisions aimed at enhancing Apple's strategic direction.