Apple Announces Leadership Transition: Tim Cook to Become Executive Chairman, John Ternus to Lead as CEO Apple Inc. announced on April 20, 2026, that Tim Cook will transition from CEO to executive chairman of the board of directors, while John Ternus, currently senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will assume the role of chief executive officer effective September 1, 2026. The decision, approved unanimously by the board of directors, marks the culmination of a long-term succession planning process designed to ensure continuity and innovation at the company. Cook will remain in his role as CEO through the summer to facilitate a seamless transition with Ternus. As executive chairman, Cook will focus on engaging with global policymakers and supporting strategic initiatives. In a statement, Cook expressed deep gratitude for his tenure at Apple, calling it “the greatest privilege of my life” and emphasizing his commitment to the company’s mission. He praised Ternus, describing him as a visionary with the technical expertise and integrity to lead Apple into the future. “John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor,” Cook said. “He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future.” Ternus, in turn, expressed his honor and optimism about taking on the role. “I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” he said. “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.#tim_cook #apple_inc #john_ternus #apple_board_of_directors #arthur_levinson
