When Tim Cook took over Apple in 2011, many observers wondered whether anyone could fill the role left by co-founder Steve Jobs. More than a decade later, the answer is clear. Cook did not try to be Jobs. Instead, he applied a different set of strengths, operational discipline and steady global leadership, and grew Apple into one of the most valuable companies ever built.
An operator by training
Cook was born in Alabama and studied industrial engineering at Auburn University before earning an MBA from Duke University. He built his early career in operations and supply chain roles at IBM and Compaq, developing a reputation for wringing efficiency out of complex manufacturing. He joined Apple in 1998 as head of worldwide operations and later became chief operating officer, quietly building the supply chain that would let Apple sell hundreds of millions of devices a year.
Scaling Apple to new heights
As chief executive, Cook expanded Apple well beyond its flagship products. He grew the services business into a major revenue engine, pushed into wearables with products like the Apple Watch and AirPods, and deepened the company’s presence in markets around the world. Under his leadership Apple became one of the first companies to reach a trillion-dollar valuation and then continued far past it. Cook also became one of the technology industry’s most visible diplomats, engaging directly with policymakers across the globe.
A planned handoff
In April 2026, Apple announced that Cook will transition to the role of executive chairman, with longtime hardware engineering leader John Ternus becoming chief executive officer effective September 1, 2026. Cook continues to serve as CEO through the end of August 2026 and is working closely with Ternus on the handoff. As executive chairman, Cook is expected to focus on areas such as global policy engagement, where his experience has been an asset. The company described the change as the result of a long, deliberate succession planning process. You can read the official statement in Apple’s newsroom.
Cook belongs to a generation of leaders steering the largest technology companies through the AI era, alongside NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang and AMD’s Lisa Su. Explore more profiles in our CEO section.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tim Cook still the CEO of Apple?
Yes, through August 31, 2026. Apple announced in April 2026 that Cook will become executive chairman and that John Ternus will take over as chief executive officer on September 1, 2026.
Who is replacing Tim Cook as Apple CEO?
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, will become the company’s next CEO on September 1, 2026.
When did Tim Cook become Apple’s CEO?
Cook became CEO in August 2011, succeeding Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. He had previously served as the company’s chief operating officer.
