CEO says he’s grooming internal candidates to take the reins eventually.
• Apple’s Tim Cook hopes his successor as CEO comes from within company’s ranks.
• Though not planning his exit, Cook said he’s grooming “several people” at Apple to take reins someday.
• Cook wants internal candidate to continue innovation under next chief executive.
Tech Giant Looks Within for Next CEO
When Tim Cook eventually steps down as Apple’s CEO, he wants his successor to come from within the technology giant’s ranks.
In a recent podcast interview with singer Dua Lipa, Cook said he is focused on grooming “several people” at Apple who could take the reins someday.
While not naming any specific candidates, Cook expressed his desire for an internal hire. “I want the person to come from within Apple,” he stated.
Apple’s Leadership Transition
Cook succeeded Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in the chief executive role in August 2011. At the time, Jobs voiced confidence that Apple’s “brightest and most innovative days” were still ahead.
Under Cook’s leadership over the past decade, Apple has released pioneering products like the Apple Watch and AirPods expanded its iPhone lineup, and surpassed a $3 trillion market valuation.
Analysts predict the company could reach a $4 trillion market cap by 2025.
Inside Apple’s Leadership Shuffle
While not planning his exit anytime soon, Cook said Apple maintains “very detailed succession plans” should the need for a transition arise unexpectedly.
“We’re a company that believes in succession plans,” Cook said, noting that “something unpredictable can always happen.”
Apple declined to comment further on succession plans. But if Cook has his way, the next CEO will come from within the company’s deep bench of homegrown talent.
