Bob Mansfield, Apple’s senior vice president of technologies, has left the company’s executive team and taken up work on “special projects” at Apple.

After Mac Rumors initially spotted that Mansfield’s bio had been removed from the executive team section on Apple’s website, All Things D confirmed that Mansfield had made the switch within the company and in his new position would be directly reporting to CEO Tim Cook. 

Apple did not comment on the move or any plans to appoint a new SVP of technologies.

Earlier in July, Apple hired Paul Deneve, CEO of French fashion company Yves Saint Laurent, for work on similarly obtuse “special projects.” Deneve and also reports directly to Cook.

At the time of Deneve’s hire, the resounding rumor was that Apple brought him in to work on the purported “iWatch.”

News of Mansfield’s supposed demotion comes as Apple begins a probe into reported labor issues with one of its suppliers in China. CNN reports that China Labor Watch has come out with details about Pegatron violating rules and industry standards, particularly in regards to low wages forcing employees to put in overly long work weeks. China Labor Watch’s report also mentioned poor working conditions and possible underage employees.

Apple is sending teams to three factories in China to investigate the complaints. As Apple nears the rumored early September launch date for its new iPhone, production and hiring has ramped up at many of the company’s component suppliers in China.