Apple CEO Tim Cook to Step Down After 15 Years, John Ternus Successor
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced plans to step down effective Sept. 1 after 15 years, handing leadership to longtime hardware chief John Ternus. Consultant data shows first-quarter 2026 saw a record 77 incoming CEOs across major global indexes, while U.S. CEO tenure rose to 11.8 years from 8.3 in 2025.
1. Tim Cook Announces Departure
Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed plan to step down as CEO on Sept. 1 after 15 years overseeing flagship product launches and global expansion.
2. John Ternus Named Successor
Longtime Apple hardware chief John Ternus will assume the CEO role on Sept. 1, leveraging experience leading AirPods and Mac design teams since joining the company in 2008.
3. Record CEO Turnover Trends
Consultant data shows 77 incoming CEOs across major global indexes in Q1 2026, the highest since 2018, while average U.S. CEO tenure climbed to 11.8 years from 8.3 in 2025 as veteran executives exit.