By now, you've probably heard the news that now former Apple CEO Steve Jobs stepped down from his position at the company after 14 years at the helm. Apple's Board of Executives has implemented its previously planned succession plan today, naming Tim Cook, former Apple COO, the chief executive of the company. The Board also added Cook to the board and accepted Steve Jobs' offer to become Chairman of the Board. The changes are effective immediately.
We though it would be best for you to get to know Tim Cook as he gets ready to take his new position tomorrow morning.
- Tim Cook grew up in Robertsdale, Alabama and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University. He then received his Master of Business Administration from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.
- Cook was initially VP of Corporate Materials for Compaq before being hired at Apple by Steve Jobs. He also served as COO of Intelligent Electronics and worked at IBM for 12 years. Cook was hired as Senior Vice President for Worldwide Operations at Apple.
- In 2007, Tim Cook was promoted to Apple COO.
- Cook served as Apple CEO in 2004 for roughly two months while Steve Jobs underwent treatment for a rare type of pancreatic cancer that he was diagnosed with shortly prior. Cook then served as Apple CEO again in 2009 while Jobs was on medical leave. He has been serving as Apple CEO since January of this year after Jobs took yet another medical leave from Apple.
- Tim Cook serves on the Board of Directors at Nike.
- Cook is described as "fitness enthusiast" by Wikipedia, enjoying hiking, cycling, and going to the gym. Cook is said to begin responding to emails at 4:30 AM and has been known for holding Sunday night meetings to prepare for the next week.
You can read our thoughts on the post-Steve Jobs era at Apple here.
