Tim Cook To Step Down As Apple CEO After 15 Years

Apple has announced that Tim Cook will be leaving his role as the company’s Chief Executive Officer, with John Ternus set to take the reins.

Cook, who joined Apple in 1998 and has led the company for close to 15 years following the passing of Steve Jobs, will transition into the role of executive chairman.

He will continue in his current capacity until September 1st, at which point Ternus — who currently oversees the hardware engineering division — will formally assume the top position.

The announcement follows months of industry speculation that Apple was actively looking to identify a successor to Cook, with Ternus having long been regarded as the frontrunner for the role.

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In his new capacity as executive chairman, Cook will “assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world,” according to Apple.

Reflecting on his tenure, Cook said: “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company.

“I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world.”

Cook went on to describe his successor as a “visionary” who possesses “the soul of an innovator.”

“He (Ternus) is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character,” he added.

Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, has spent 25 years at the company and played a significant role in the launch of several landmark products, including the iPad, AirPods, and multiple generations of the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.

He acknowledged Cook as a mentor and expressed that he was “profoundly grateful” for the chance to “carry Apple’s mission forward.” “I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come,” Ternus said.