Apple Announces New CEO as Tim Cook Steps Into New Role

Apple announced that John Ternus will become its new CEO, replacing Tim Cook. Cook will take on a new role as executive chairman starting on September 1.

Ternus currently works as a senior vice president in charge of hardware engineering. When he becomes CEO, he will also join Apple’s board of directors. At the same time, Arthur Levinson will move into a different leadership role as the lead independent director.

Apple said that Cook will continue as CEO during the summer to help with a smooth transition. This is the first time Apple has changed CEOs since Cook replaced Steve Jobs in 2011.

In a statement, Cook said it has been the greatest honor of his life to lead Apple. He also praised the company’s employees for their creativity and dedication to making high-quality products.

Along with this change, Apple announced that Johny Srouji will take over Ternus’s previous role and become chief hardware officer.

During Cook’s time as CEO, Apple experienced huge growth. The company’s total value increased more than 20 times, reaching around $4 trillion. Apple also introduced popular products like the Apple Watch, AirPods, and the Vision Pro headset.

However, Apple now faces several challenges. These include supply chain problems, political tensions between countries, and increasing demand for advanced computer chips used in artificial intelligence (AI).

Ternus, who is 50 years old, has worked at Apple for many years and has been involved in designing major products such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Many experts believed he would become CEO one day.

One of his biggest tasks will be to improve Apple’s position in AI technology. Compared to other large tech companies, Apple has been slower to develop advanced AI tools. For example, the company delayed improvements to its voice assistant, Siri.

Apple plans to release a new version of Siri using advanced AI technology later this year.

In recent years, Cook also played an important role outside the company. He worked with government leaders and spoke about issues like privacy and trade. For example, he once refused to help the U.S. government unlock a private iPhone, arguing that it would harm user privacy.

Cook also worked closely with Donald Trump on trade policies and investment plans. Apple has promised to invest billions of dollars in the United States in the coming years.

Although some people expected Cook to stay longer, the company decided it was the right time for a leadership change. Cook has said he still loves his job, but he is now preparing to pass leadership to the next generation.

Vocabulary List

succeed (someone)

Definition: to take someone’s position after they leave

Example: She will succeed her manager as team leader.

Question: Who would you like to succeed in your future career?

transition

Definition: a change from one situation to another

Example: The company is going through a leadership transition.

Question: What is an example of a big transition in your life?

executive chairman

Definition: a senior leader who advises and oversees a company

Example: The CEO became executive chairman after retiring.

Question: Do you think leaders should stay involved after stepping down?

board of directors

Definition: a group of people who guide a company’s decisions

Example: The board approved the new CEO.

Question: Why is a board of directors important?

milestone

Definition: an important achievement

Example: Becoming CEO was a major milestone for him.

Question: What is a milestone you want to reach?

supply chain

Definition: the system used to produce and deliver products

Example: The supply chain was delayed due to global issues.

Question: Why is the supply chain important for companies?

demand

Definition: how much people want something

Example: There is high demand for new technology.

Question: What products are in high demand today?

criticism

Definition: negative opinions about something

Example: The company faced criticism for its slow progress.

Question: How do you react to criticism?

delay

Definition: to make something happen later than planned

Example: The flight was delayed by two hours.

Question: What do you do when plans are delayed?

invest

Definition: to put money into something to gain benefits later

Example: The company plans to invest in new technology.

Question: What would you invest in if you had extra money?