As per the latest news, Apple CEO Tim Cook is planning to exit Apple after the next 10 years. So now the most asked question is that who will be the next chief executive. In April 2021 when he came to an interview, he talked about Apple’s future plans and confirmed he would be part of that product.
In August 2021, a report said that Cook wanted to make one more major new product category inside Apple. Now, they launched Apple Vision Pro as their latest product. On 2023 November, he updated the media about his exit. But at that time, multiple succession plans were running inside the Apple company. So he joked about it and said may be stepping off from the wrong curb tomorrow, but that does not happen.
When he talked about his replacement, he never mentioned a single person. But he said his role is to prepare capable individuals who can succeed. Also, he said he wants to see that person come from the Apple company, and he will try to make sure there will be several people to pick from. Despite Cook’s comments about the future there are no sources to know who will be the next CEO of the company. But no matter who the next CEO is, the selections will be based on who can ride the company towards the success path.
Capable Individuals
When we think the capable individuals, the top list will be the ones who can have a major impact on the company and now those who are in the top-level positions.
Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams is the Chief Operating Officer of the company. That is the post Tim Cook worked on before he took over the CEO position. Maybe we can see the same moments happen in the future and also, this role knows many parts of Apple’s work. He joined Apple in 1998 and he played a key role in the first iPhone creation and the Apple Watch.
If Tim Cook exits after ten years, as he mentioned, he will be 70 years old. In that time, Jeff will be 68, and his age will limit his time in the CEO role.
Craig Federighi
He is the SVP of Software Engineering. When his do appearances at Apple events they become meme-worthy events. Also, when it comes to age concerns, after ten years, he will be 61 and this can give a good advantage to him.
Greg “Joz” Jozwiak
He is the SVP of Worldwide Marketing and he played a major role in the launch of the iPod and the making process of the original iPhone. Also, he plays a major role in most of iPhone events. He has 30 years of experience in the company marketing field but when Cook departure he will be 66 years old which will be a disadvantage for him.
Other Candidates
There are some more people who can work on the role other than those three.
Eddy Cue
He is the SVP of Internet Software and Services. In his role, he has to work with all departments in the Apple company. He has worked in the company since 1989, and when the Cook will exit he will be 66.
Phil Schiller
He also has three decades in the company. He works in the products and marketing division. Also, in charge of the App Store and Apple Events. Because he is not an SVP and plays a huge role in the company, he has a good opportunity to become CEO. However, age becomes a huge disadvantage as when Cook exits, he will be 70 years old.
Third Place Candidates
Deirdre O’Brien
She is the SVP of retail. She is the one who has responsibilities to open stores all around the world and manage Apple’s online teams. She has worked at Apple for over three decades, and her experience with people will be beneficial in working as the CEO.
Lisa Jackson
She is the VP of Social Initiatives, Policy, and Environment. She has worked at Apple since 2013. It is short when compared with other candidates. But she worked as the administrator for the U.S. Environment Protection Agency. Which means she has more managerial experience than others.
John Ternus
He is the SVP of Hardware engineering. He worked on every model of iPhone, iPad, and AirPods. He is the key man behind the Apple Silicon transition and is now in his late 40s.
Other than them, there will be some other people who can be the CEO of the company. But the problem is that they are stable in their current positions, so moving them to another position will be a disadvantage for the company. As an example, John Giannandrea worked well in his role as SVP of Machine Learning and AI Strategy. He also has a great vision for the AI and ML fields.
Even Cook says they will consider someone inside the company, there will be some chance they will look outside the company. They may be looking for someone who was a former Apple executive.
However, looking for someone for the CEO role will be more difficult for the board because there are plenty of candidates here.