Indian-origin engineer Rajesh Ambati has been promoted to vice-president of engineering at Apple as part of the technology company’s latest leadership changes. The elevation recognises his nearly 18-year career at Apple, where he has worked on software and technologies that enable iPhones and other Apple devices to connect to wireless networks.
Ambati was previously a senior director of software engineering, overseeing the company’s connectivity, cellular and satellite software. He is among three connectivity leaders elevated to vice-president positions, alongside Louie Sanguinetti and Derek Shaeffer.
From Motorola to Apple
Ambati began his professional career at Motorola in January 2003 as an engineering manager. He worked there for nearly seven years before joining Apple in October 2009 as a senior software engineering manager.
He was promoted to director of software engineering in October 2014 and senior director in October 2019. His responsibilities included software development, performance analysis, testing, certification and reliability across Apple’s connectivity technologies.
His work has covered cellular and wireless connectivity, including software that supports network connections across devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
Educational Background
Ambati holds a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in the United States. He has also pursued studies in statistics for artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science through Stanford Continuing Studies, along with management strategy at Rutgers Business School.
Apple’s Connectivity Leadership Changes
Ambati’s promotion is part of a broader leadership reshuffle at Apple under CEO John Ternus. Sanguinetti and Shaeffer have also been elevated to vice-president roles. All three executives work on technologies that enable Apple devices to connect to the internet, including cellular and wireless systems.
The changes come as Apple continues to develop its own modem technology and expand its connectivity capabilities. Ambati’s experience in cellular and satellite software places him among the senior engineering leaders responsible for technologies central to Apple’s devices.
