Apple has announced its chief executive, Tim Cook, will step down after nearly 15 years in the top job, handing the reins to the head of hardware engineering, John Ternus.
Mr Cook, who took over the role from founder Steve Jobs in 2011, will step down in September, becoming the company’s executive chairman.
“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company,” Mr Cook, 65, said in a statement.
“I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world.”
Mr Cook said he will work closely with Mr Ternus, 51, during the transition process.
Mr Ternus, who will become Apple’s eighth chief executive, will join the board of directors on September 1.
Mr Ternus joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 before becoming a vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013.
He joined the executive team in 2021 as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering.
Apple said Mr Ternus has been “instrumental” in the introduction of new product lines, including iPad and AirPods, as well generations of products across iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.
“John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honour,’’ Mr Cook said.
“He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future.”
“I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman.”
Arthur Levinson, who has been Apple’s non-executive chairman for the past 15 years, will become the company’s Lead Independent Director on September 1.
