Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO After 15 Years; John Ternus to Succeed
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Tim Cook will step down as Apple CEO in September after 15 years, handing over leadership to John Ternus.
- Cook's tenure saw Apple's market value surge from $350 billion to $4 trillion, expanding beyond iPhones into services and semiconductors.
- Ternus, currently Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will lead the company, having been instrumental in developing key products.
After 15 transformative years at the helm, Tim Cook is set to conclude his tenure as Apple's Chief Executive Officer this September. This marks a significant leadership transition for the tech giant, the first since its founder Steve Jobs. Cook, who took the reins in 2011, expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead such an exceptional company, highlighting the collaborative efforts in creating products that enrich customers' lives.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to be able to lead Apple.
Under Cook's leadership, Apple experienced unprecedented growth, with its market capitalization soaring from approximately $350 billion to a staggering $4 trillion. He successfully steered the company beyond its iPhone-centric model, diversifying into services, semiconductors, and wearables, solidifying Apple's position as a global powerhouse. His steady hand guided Apple through numerous product launches and strategic expansions, cementing its reputation for innovation and quality.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have led Apple.
Taking over the CEO role is John Ternus, the current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, has been a key figure in the development of iconic products like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. His extensive experience in hardware development, including recent innovations in Mac performance and iPhone lineup enhancements, positions him to continue Apple's trajectory of technological advancement. Ternus acknowledged the immense responsibility, expressing his commitment to upholding Apple's core values and vision, shaped over the past half-century, and honoring the legacy of both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, who served as his mentor.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have led Apple. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have led Apple.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.