Apple: Tim Cook’s era comes to an end after 15 years; John Ternus takes over as CEO from tomorrow

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - After exactly 15 years, Tim Cook’s era at the helm of Apple is coming to an end. Appointed in August 2011, the man who took over the heavy mantle from Steve Jobs will, from 1 September, hand over the reins to John Ternus, 50, who joined Apple’s design team in 2001 and became vice-president of the division in 2013. Cook will remain at Apple as executive chairman of the board. In this new role, according to Apple, he will provide “support on certain aspects of the company’s business, including engagement with policymakers around the world”.

Cook, who has steered the company through years of significant change in the tech world, marked by the advent of artificial intelligence, has helped make Apple one of the world’s most valuable companies (4,700 billion dollars at the end of August, having hit a record market capitalisation of 5,050 billion on 29 July) and has worked on the launch of products and services such as the Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, Vision Pro, Apple Music and Apple TV. In recent quarters, Apple has set all-time revenue records and is ‘handing over’ to Ternus in a strong financial position.

The new CEO has been part of the Cupertino executive team since 2021 and was regarded, both within and outside the company, as Cook’s natural successor.

“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as Apple’s CEO and to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading such an extraordinary company,” said Cook, explaining that he loves the company “with all my heart, and I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of people who are so ingenious, innovative, creative and deeply caring, and who have shown unwavering dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world.”

Ars