CUPERTINO, April 20, 2026 — Apple Inc. has announced a major leadership change, with Tim Cook stepping down as CEO after 15 years at the helm and transitioning to the role of chairman of the board of directors.
Cook, who took over as CEO in 2011 following Steve Jobs' health issues, will be succeeded by John Ternus, a long-time Apple executive. The transition marks a significant moment for the tech giant, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
A Legacy of Leadership
Tim Cook's tenure as CEO of Apple has been marked by both innovation and challenges. He assumed leadership during a critical period, just months before the passing of Apple's co-founder, Steve Jobs, at the age of 56. Under Cook's guidance, Apple expanded its product lineup, strengthened its global supply chain, and became the first company to reach a $3 trillion market valuation.
Reflecting on his time as CEO, Cook said, *"It was the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been entrusted with the leadership of such an exceptional company."* In his original German statement, he added: *"Es war das größte Privileg meines Lebens, Vorstandschef von Apple zu sein und mit der Leitung eines so außergewöhnlichen Unternehmens betraut worden zu sein."*