Tim Cook

Executive Chair Apple

Last Reviewed: October 1, 2026

Executive Summary

Tim Cook became Executive Chair of Apple on 1 September 2026, handing the chief executive role to John Ternus after fifteen years in charge. He joined Apple in 1998 to run worldwide operations, became Chief Operating Officer in 2005 and became CEO in 2011. Under him Apple added Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro and built a Services business that it says exceeds $100 billion. His last quarter as chief executive was Apple’s strongest June quarter on record, with revenue of $109.4 billion. Apple ranked No. 4 on the 2026 Fortune 500.

Career Highlights

• Executive Chair of Apple since 1 September 2026.
• Chief Executive Officer of Apple from August 2011 to 31 August 2026.
• Chief Operating Officer from October 2005, responsible for worldwide sales, operations, supply chain and service.
• Joined Apple in March 1998 as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Operations.
• Director of Nike; trustee of Duke University.

Professional Journey

Cook earned a B.S. in industrial engineering at Auburn University and an MBA at Duke University, where he was a Fuqua Scholar. He joined Apple in March 1998 as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Operations. In October 2000 he took on sales, service and support as well, and in February 2002 he became Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Operations.

In October 2005 he became Chief Operating Officer, responsible for Apple’s worldwide sales and operations, supply chain management and service and support in all markets. In August 2011 he became Chief Executive Officer.

As chief executive he oversaw new product categories including Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro. Apple says he grew Services into a business of more than $100 billion, expanded Apple’s presence to more than 200 countries and 2.5 billion active devices, and cut its carbon footprint by 60 percent from 2015 levels while revenue nearly doubled.

In April 2026 Apple announced that he would become Executive Chair on 1 September 2026, with John Ternus succeeding him as CEO. In the June quarter of 2026, his last full quarter as chief executive, Apple reported revenue of $109.4 billion, up 16 percent.

He serves on the board of Nike, on the board of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, as a trustee of Duke University, and on the Leadership Council of the Malala Fund.

Education

Auburn University

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

MBA, Fuqua Scholar