Bloomberg’s latest report delves into the potential candidates to succeed Tim Cook as CEO of Apple, a position he has held since 2011 and is nearing 64 years of age. While there’s no immediate indication of a leadership change, the article explores several options for Cook’s eventual successor.
Drawing insights from insiders familiar with Apple’s operations, the report suggests that if a transition were to happen soon, Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams would likely step into the CEO role:
Williams, aged 61, emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Cook a few years back. However, given his age proximity to Cook and the board’s preference for a long-term leader, it’s now uncertain if he’s the ideal choice. The delayed C-suite refresh poses challenges in identifying suitable successors.
Despite this, sources close to Cook anticipate him remaining as CEO for at least another three years. In such a scenario, John Ternus emerges as a strong contender for the position.
Ternus, currently serving as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, has steadily risen in prominence within the company. Described as well-regarded and admired by Cook and other executives, Ternus, at 49, is viewed as someone likely to stay with Apple for an extended period.
Colleagues praise Ternus for his managerial acumen and track record of success in various roles. Eddy Cue, a trusted associate of Cook, reportedly advocates for Ternus as the next CEO.
As for other executives, individuals like Craig Federighi and Deirdre O’Brien, while respected, are deemed unlikely to succeed Cook. Phil Schiller and Dan Riccio, nearing the end of their tenures at Apple, are also considered unlikely contenders for the CEO role.
