Contents
Tim Cook
Leading Apple through the iPhone era as chief executive from 2011 to 2026.
Apple · Global supply chains
- Born
- 1 November 1960
- Birthplace
- Mobile, Alabama, United States
More people
Tim Cook
Tim Cook is an American executive who turned operations expertise into leadership of Apple. He succeeded Steve Jobs as CEO in 2011 and became executive chairman in September 2026.
Early life
Alabama childhood
Born in Mobile, he grew up in nearby Robertsdale, where his father worked in a shipyard.
Engineering and business
He studied industrial engineering at Auburn University and later earned an MBA at Duke.
Career
- 1982
IBM operations
He began a long spell at IBM, building experience in computer manufacturing and distribution.
- 1998
Joining Apple
After roles at Intelligent Electronics and Compaq, he joined Apple to run worldwide operations.
- 2011
Chief executive
He succeeded Steve Jobs, overseeing new devices, services and the expansion of Apple’s business.
- 2026
Executive chairman
He moved to the board’s executive-chair role on 1 September, when John Ternus became CEO.
Companies & projects
Apple operations
He helped streamline manufacturing, inventory and the company’s global supply chain.
Apple Watch
Apple entered the smartwatch market during his chief executive tenure.
Subscription services
Apple launched services including Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade.
Beyond work
Public identity
He publicly came out as gay in 2014 and has spoken about inclusion and privacy.
Outside Apple
He has served on Nike’s board and maintained ties to Auburn and Duke.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Leadership transition ↗Photo: Tessa Bury. CC BY 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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