John Ternus Takes Apple Helm as Tim Cook Ends 15-Year CEO Run
Tim Cook took charge of Apple in 2011 after co-founder Steve Jobs, beginning a 15-year tenure that broadened the company’s hardware lineup, built its services business and elevated supply-chain and environmental issues. His departure closes a defining chapter for the technology giant while leaving his successor to confront mounting pressure over artificial intelligence, product innovation and the future of Apple’s climate commitments.
Apple said on Tuesday, Sept. 1, that longtime hardware engineering chief John Ternus had formally become chief executive. Cook told employees in a final message that he was not leaving the company, but was giving up a role he loved. He will become Apple’s executive chair under a pay package valued at $47 million, preserving continuity as Ternus takes operational control.
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The history behind this eventApple Hardware Chief John Ternus to Succeed Tim Cook as CEO
Tim Cook has led Apple for 15 years, during which the company's market value grew about tenfold, profit increased 699% and its global retail network expanded to 540 stores. The succession will shape not only Apple's iPhone product strategy but also its efforts to integrate hardware, AI technology and its Asian supply chain to sustain growth.
Apple has announced that John Ternus, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will become CEO on September 1. Cook will move into the role of executive chair, overseeing corporate diplomacy and major relationships. The generational transition will put an executive with an engineering background at the helm as Apple confronts challenges spanning hardware innovation, its AI strategy and supply-chain transformation.
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