Tim Cook is executive chair of Apple's board of directors and has been a director since 2011. Cook joined Apple in 1998, was chief operating officer before being named CEO in August 2011, and served as CEO until 2026; Apple announced in April 2026 that John Ternus would become CEO and Cook executive chairman effective September 1, 2026. Apple's leadership page says Apple transitioned to Apple-designed silicon under Cook's leadership. Apple's June 2024 press release introducing Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system built on generative models for iPhone, iPad and Mac, includes a statement from Cook as Apple's CEO.1234
At a glance
- Current roles
- Executive Chair +1 more
- Sector
- Company
- Fields
- Chips and hardware
- Education
- Duke
- Work listed
- 2
- Sources cited
- 4
- Profile reviewed
Career
Cook joined Apple in 1998. As chief operating officer, Cook was responsible for Apple's worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end management of the supply chain, sales activities and service and support. Cook became a director in 2011 and was named CEO in August 2011.1
On April 20, 2026 Apple announced that John Ternus, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, would become CEO and that Cook would become executive chairman of the board, effective September 1, 2026. Apple said Cook would assist with certain areas of the company as executive chairman, including engagement with policymakers.31
Products and projects
As CEO, Cook oversaw new product categories including Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro, and services such as iCloud, Apple Pay, Apple TV and Apple Music. During Cook's tenure Apple transitioned to Apple-designed silicon, giving the company more control of its core technology.1
In June 2024 Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad and Mac built on generative models, with an introductory statement from Cook as CEO.4
Work and contributions
Apple Intelligence Proprietary product
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 while Cook was CEO; the press release includes a statement from Cook introducing it.4
Apple-designed silicon Proprietary product
Apple's leadership page says the company transitioned to Apple-designed silicon under Cook's leadership.13
Timeline
- Joined Apple.1
- Became a member of Apple's board of directors.1
- Named chief executive officer of Apple after serving as chief operating officer.1
- Apple introduced Apple Intelligence for iPhone, iPad and Mac, with a statement from Cook.4
- Apple announced Cook would become executive chairman and John Ternus would become CEO.3
- Became executive chair of Apple's board as John Ternus took over as CEO.31
Other documented roles
Roles the sources document that are not confirmed as current.
Where they work
Related people
- Daniel GrossAlso at Apple
- Johny SroujiAlso at Apple
- Samy BengioAlso at Apple
- Niko GrupenAlso at Apple
- Craig FederighiAlso at Apple
- Gavin UbertiChips and hardware
- Satish JeyachandranChips and hardware
- Michael DellChips and hardware
- Song HanChips and hardware
- Tom XiaoChips and hardware
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References
4 sources · profile reviewed Oct 21, 2026 · data updated Oct 21, 2026