Tim Cook has bid farewell as the Apple CEO after leading the company for nearly 15 years. According to Bloomberg, in his final memo to Apple employees, Cook said he will miss the CEO role but is confident that John Ternus is the right person to lead the company in its next chapter.
During Cook’s tenure, Apple introduced products such as the Apple Watch and AirPods and took the supply chain to great heights. Cook will not be leaving Apple completely. He will take on the role of executive chairman.
Tim Cook Says He Will Miss Being Apple CEO
In his final email as the company CEO (shared by Bloomberg), Cook reflected on his journey and the significance of stepping away from a position he has held for 15 years. “As you know, I am not leaving Apple. But I am stepping away from a role that I have loved deeply,” Cook expressed.
He added that leaving the CEO position would be emotional, even though he feels confident about the decision. “I will miss this work in ways I can only begin to imagine, even as I remain completely at peace with my decision,” Cook wrote.
Cook also thanked Apple employees for their contribution to the company’s success. He said that much of what he achieved as CEO was possible because of the people working alongside him. He said, “The truth is, whatever there is to say about my success, I know it is all because of you. You have brought out the best in me.”
Cook Has Confidence In John Ternus
John Ternus will take over as Apple’s CEO on September 1. Ternus has been a key figure in Apple’s hardware organisation and has worked closely with the company’s major product teams.
Cook expressed strong confidence in him, saying he believes Ternus understands what it takes to develop products that can have a major impact. “I will miss leading you and being with you for every step, even as I take enormous comfort in handing the helm to someone as brilliant and wonderful and capable as John.”
Cook Reflects On Apple’s Culture
A major part of Cook’s farewell message focused on Apple’s culture rather than its financial performance or individual products. Cook said he was particularly proud of things that cannot easily be measured in the company’s annual reports. He credited Apple’s employees and its shared sense of purpose for helping the company achieve its goals.
He expressed, “There is something truly special about Apple. I am most proud of what an annual report could never capture.” Cook also highlighted the importance of teamwork and the belief that Apple’s products should have a positive impact.
“Together, we have created something far greater than any one of us could have imagined or accomplished alone. And that’s the secret to our success,” wrote Cook.
Cook also referred to Steve Jobs’ famous description of making a “dent in the universe,” saying Apple’s culture has helped its employees pursue that goal together.
Notably, Cook ended his message by thanking employees and encouraging them to remain proud of their work at Apple. “I hope you know how much I appreciate you and what an honor it has been to be your CEO. I look forward to seeing you in my new role at Apple Park and around the world.”
