Tim Cook is set to transition from Apple’s CEO to executive chairman of the company’s board after leading the tech giant for 15 years. He will be replaced by Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, who has worked with Apple since 2001.
Cook will continue to perform his duties as CEO throughout the summer to ensure a smooth transition effective September 1, 2026.
Cook’s legacy:
Steve Jobs appointed Cook as Apple’s CEO on August 24, 2011, shortly before his death. He has led the technology company for over 15 years.
Cook is often credited with expanding the product line for Apple, including AirPods and Apple TV+, and also made a leap into new areas such as health, entertainment and wearables.
Under Cook’s leadership, the company grew from a market capitalization of $350 billion in 2011 to over $4 trillion in 2026.
He is also credited with forging a strong relationship with the Trump administration by announcing $600 billion in investment to expand Apple’s footprint in the US amid serious tariff threats.
Who is John Ternus?
The appointment of Ternus comes amid a wave of high-profile changes in Apple’s executive ranks, including the departure of its AI chief, policy chief and one of its top design executives.
He has worked at Apple for over a quarter of a century and has risen through the ranks. He joined the product design team in 2001 and was named VP hardware engineering in 2013 and then senior VP hardware engineering in 2021.
In a press release announcing his appointment, Ternus said, “I am humbled to step into this role and pledge to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”
