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Apple announced on Monday that Tim Cook will step down as chief executive in September, with longtime company executive John Ternus set to take over the role.
Cook, 65, will transition to executive chairman of the board, addressing long-standing questions about his successor. In a statement, he described leading Apple as “the greatest privilege” of his career.
Having joined Apple in 1998, Cook played a key role in managing the company’s global supply chain as chief operating officer before becoming CEO in 2011, following the departure of co-founder Steve Jobs due to health issues. Under his leadership, Apple expanded its product lineup and grew into a company valued at around $4 trillion.
Outgoing chairman Arthur Levinson praised Cook’s leadership, crediting him with shaping Apple into one of the world’s most successful companies. Levinson will move into the role of lead independent director.
Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, has spent more than two decades rising through the ranks to become senior vice president of hardware engineering. He has contributed to the development of key products including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.
Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Ternus said he looks forward to continuing Apple’s mission, noting he has worked under both Jobs and Cook during his career.
The leadership transition comes as Apple marks its 50th anniversary, facing new challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence while aiming to sustain its legacy of innovation. Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the company transformed personal technology with landmark products including the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.