Apple Accelerates CEO Succession Plan as Tim Cook Nears Departure
Apple is intensifying its succession planning as Tim Cook prepares to step down as CEO potentially as early as next year, according to a Financial Times report. The tech giant is reportedly considering John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, as Cook’s likely successor.
Key Takeaways
- Tim Cook could step down as Apple CEO as early as next year
- John Ternus, head of hardware engineering, is the leading internal candidate
- Apple likely won’t announce new CEO until after January earnings report
Who Could Succeed Tim Cook?
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, has emerged as the potential successor to Cook, according to FT sources familiar with the discussions. The iPhone manufacturer is expected to delay any CEO announcement until after its January earnings report, which covers the crucial holiday season.
Meet John Ternus: Apple’s Hardware Chief
John Ternus currently serves as Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. He oversees all hardware engineering operations including teams working on iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods and more.
Ternus joined Apple’s Product Design team in 2001 and became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013. During his tenure, he has led hardware engineering for all iPad generations, the latest iPhone series, and AirPods.
Before joining Apple, Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems and holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Tim Cook’s Departure Timeline
Speculation about Cook’s resignation intensified after he turned 65 this year, though neither Cook nor Apple have officially announced any departure plans.
In a previous interview with Wired, Cook addressed questions about his tenure: “I love this place, Steven. It’s a privilege of a lifetime to be here. And I’ll do it until the voice in my head says, ‘It’s time,’ and then I’ll go and focus on what the next chapter looks like.”
The Apple CEO noted he’s being asked about his departure plans more frequently, suggesting the succession planning is timely.
