Apple (AAPL) lost part of its core in China and a Chinese Internet search engine and semiconductor manufacturer, respectively, hired new executives today.

Just weeks after Apple announced the opening of its first flagship China store in Beijing, the company's country general manager, Peng Ye, has defected to Chinese Internet search engine Baidu.com (BIDU). Effective April 25, Ye will be Baidu's new chief operating officer.

Prior to Apple, Ye worked for SatCom AG as managing director and for Motorola (MOTO) Mobile Business North Asia as vice president of Asia Pacific and general manager of New Wireless Carrier Operations.

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMI) today also announced the appointment of Syaru Shirley Lin as chief strategic advisor. Lin has extensive international management experience in direct investment, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining SMIC, she was a partner and managing director at Goldman Sachs.

"SMIC is one of the pioneering enterprises in the worldwide technology landscape, providing a unique service as the leading foundry in China," said Lin in a press statement. "The increasing complexity of this highly global industry provides a unique challenge for me as chief strategic advisor. I am honored and excited to be part of the development of the company, and I am committed to contributing to its long-term growth."