Tim Cook has been Apple’s CEO for over 13 years, taking over the position in 2011 after Steve Jobs resigned due to his cancer. Under Cook’s leadership, Apple launched several new product categories, including the Apple Watch, HomePod, AirPods, and most recently the Apple Vision Pro headset.
There has been speculation about when Tim Cook will retire and hand over the reins of the organization to another prominent leader. Recently, in an interview with Wired, Cook shed some light on the matter, though he has kept some speculation at bay.
What did Tim Cook say?
When asked about his retirement plans, Tim Cook said it’s a question he gets often. Tim says he loves Apple and considers working there a privilege. In Tim’s words, ‘I’ll do it until the voice in my head says, “It’s time,” and then I’ll walk away and focus on the next chapter’.
He said, ‘But it is difficult to imagine life without Apple, because since 1998 my life has been tied to this company. This is the bulk of my adult life. So I love it’.
This response, while sincere, does not give a clear time frame for his retirement. Tim Cook has been with Apple since 1998, which means he has been working with Apple for over two decades. To many, he seems to have devoted his life to Apple.
Who can replace Tim Cook as CEO?
The question of who can replace Tim Cook as Apple’s CEO is also often discussed. Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software, is often mentioned as a potential candidate. Federighi is well known for his charisma and his unique style of presentation during Apple Keynotes.
Another contender is John Tarnus, the company’s senior vice president of hardware engineering. Tarnus has been with Apple since 2001, initially joining the product design team. He has been instrumental in the development of popular products such as all iPad models, iPhones and AirPods. He also contributed to the transition from Intel processors to Apple’s own M-series silicon chips.
Lately, Turnus has been getting more into media, a necessary skill for any potential CEO. His growing media presence suggests he may be poised for a larger leadership role within the organization.