Apple Sharpens Focus On Leadership Transition For Tim Cook, FT Reports

Apple has begun accelerating its long-term succession planning, with the company now preparing for the possibility that Tim Cook could step down as chief executive as early as next year, according to a report from the Financial Times.

The FT, citing several people familiar with internal discussions, says John Ternus — Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering — has quietly emerged as the leading candidate to take over the top job. While Apple has made no public comment, the report suggests that conversations within the company’s upper ranks have recently become more active as Cook’s tenure approaches a potential turning point.

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Apple did not immediately respond to Reuters when asked for a statement.

People with knowledge of the matter told the newspaper that Apple’s board and senior leadership have increased their focus on ensuring a smooth transition after Cook’s more than 14 years in charge.

A photo released by Apple shows John Ternus unveiling the new MacBook Pro during the company’s online event on October 18, 2021, held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. (APPLE INC / HANDOUT VIA AFP)

Despite the growing momentum around succession planning, the FT notes that Apple is unlikely to announce a new CEO before its next earnings release in late January, which covers the company’s most important quarter of the year.

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Tim Cook took over as CEO in 2011 after Steve Jobs stepped down, ending the era of the visionary co-founder who helped shape Apple from a garage startup into one of the world’s most influential technology companies.