AS APPLE enters a new era, the company announced Tim Cook will become executive chairman of its board, while John Ternus, currently senior vice president of hardware engineering, will take over as its CEO on Sept 1, BBC News reported.
Cook will remain CEO through the summer, working closely with Ternus on a smooth transition before shifting his focus to broader responsibilities, including “engaging with policymakers worldwide”.
The move follows months of speculation about succession at Apple, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Cook, reflecting on his tenure, called the role “the greatest privilege of my life.”
In endorsing his successor, Cook struck a deeply personal tone, describing Ternus as a “visionary” with “the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator and the heart to lead with integrity and honour,” adding: “He is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future.” Ternus, in his own statement, called Cook his “mentor,” saying: “I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come.”
Unclear whether change of guard at pivotal juncture will prove boon or bane for the company
