Steve Jobs’ successor Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO after 13 years

Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down after 13 years at the helm of the tech giant, with John Ternus named as the new chief executive to take over from the 65-year-old

Apple has appointed John Ternus as its new chief executive, following the announcement that Tim Cook would be stepping aside.

Cook, who took over as Apple’s CEO in 2011 after the late Steve Jobs stepped down due to health issues, will stay on at the company in the role of executive chair.

“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company. I love Apple with all of my being,” Cook expressed in a press release.

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world.”

The 65-year-old will collaborate with Ternus during the transition, after which he will “assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world”,

The decision was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors, reports the Mirror.

Ternus, who previously held the position of senior vice president of Hardware Engineering at the company, said: “I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward.

“Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor.

“It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another.

“I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us.

“I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”

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