Tim Cook is set to step down as chief executive officer of Apple in September, bringing an end to his more than a decade-long leadership of the tech giant.
The company announced that Cook will relinquish the role on September 1, transitioning to the position of executive chairman of Apple’s board, while company veteran John Ternus will assume the role of CEO. Cook, who has led Apple since 2011 following the exit of co-founder Steve Jobs, described his time at the helm as deeply meaningful.
“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,” he said. The outgoing CEO will remain in charge through the summer to ensure a smooth leadership transition, after which he will take on broader responsibilities as executive chairman, including supporting the company’s strategic direction.
Ternus, who currently serves as Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, is expected to lead the company into its next phase, building on his long-standing role in the development of key products. Cook joined Apple in 1998 and rose through the ranks, playing a central role in managing its global supply chain before becoming CEO. During his tenure, the company expanded its product offerings and grew into one of the world’s most valuable firms, with a market valuation reaching trillions of dollars.
The leadership transition answers longstanding questions about succession at Apple, as the company prepares for a new chapter under Ternus while retaining Cook’s influence at the board level.
