Tim Cook

Executive chair, Apple

Tim Cook is Apple’s executive chair after serving as CEO from 2011 to 2026. He joined the company in 1998 and previously led worldwide operations, including its supply chain, sales and support. His CEO tenure included Apple Watch, AirPods, an expanding services business and the Mac’s transition to Apple-designed silicon. John Ternus succeeded him as CEO on September 1, 2026.

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Photo: Austin Community CollegeCC BY 2.0 · Displayed in grayscale

At a glance

Current role: Executive chair, Apple
Education: Auburn University — industrial engineering; Duke University — MBA
Previously: Apple CEO, 2011–2026; chief operating officer
Known for: Apple executive leadership; operations; supply chain
Succession: John Ternus became Apple CEO on September 1, 2026
Coverage: Consumer technology; operations; services; AI

Sources checked 25 October 2026. Selected career background and milestones.

Career, in context.

Selected research, leadership and career milestones, newest first.

Sep
2026
Becomes Apple’s executive chair
Cook moves to executive chair as John Ternus becomes CEO under Apple’s succession plan. Apple’s current leadership profile confirms Cook’s completed transition to the board role.
Source: Apple ↗
Jun
2020
Announces the Mac’s Apple silicon transition
Apple announces a transition from Intel processors to its own silicon for Mac computers during Cook’s CEO tenure, with developer support and first systems planned that year.
Source: Apple ↗
Apr
2015
Apple Watch goes on sale
Apple introduces a new wearable category during Cook’s leadership, with initial availability across nine markets and features combining communication, personal information, activity tracking and fitness.
Source: Apple ↗
Aug
2011
Becomes Apple CEO
Apple’s board names Cook CEO after Steve Jobs resigns. Cook also joins the board, moving from worldwide operations leadership to responsibility for the company as a whole.
Source: Apple ↗
Oct
2005
Is named chief operating officer
Apple formally names Cook COO, retaining his responsibilities for worldwide sales and operations and the Macintosh division while expanding his work with the executive team.
Source: Apple ↗
1998
Joins Apple’s operations leadership
Cook joins Apple as senior vice president of operations after earlier work at Compaq and IBM. The role begins his long tenure managing the company’s worldwide operations.
Source: Apple ↗