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Tim Cook mentioned that he would continue leading Apple until he felt it was the right time to move on.
Steve Jobs personally recruited Tim Cook to join Apple. (Photo Credits: LinkedIn)
Tim Cook became Apple CEO in August 2011 and has been leading the tech giant for over 13 years. Over time, the company has gone through several transformations, including the exit of some of its key executives, but Cook is determined to continue his role. In a recent interview, he was asked about his future at Apple. While Cook didn’t offer a clear timeline of his retirement, he shared his deep connection with the company, by calling it “a privilege of a lifetime.” He mentioned that he would continue leading Apple until he felt it was the right time to move on.
During an interview with Wired, Cook mentioned that Apple has been a central part of his life since joining in 1998 and for him, it’s hard to imagine life without it. He said, “I get asked that question now more than I used to, as I age, as my hair turns gray. I love this place, I love it and I love the people I work with. It’s the privilege of a lifetime to be here and I’ll do it until the voice in my head says, ‘It’s time,’ and then I’ll go and focus on what the next chapter looks like. My life has been wrapped up in this company since 1998.”
During Tim Cook’s time as Apple CEO, the company has launched many popular products, including AirPods, Apple Watch and more recently, the Vision Pro. Despite the company’s success in creating innovative devices, Cook is concerned about the impact of excessive screen time. He said, “I worry about people endlessly scrolling.” He highlighted the importance of tools like notification limits and parental controls to encourage healthier habits. Cook added, “If you’re looking at your phone more than you’re looking in somebody’s eyes, that’s a problem.”
Before becoming Apple’s CEO in 2011, Cook held the position of chief operating officer, managing the tech giant’s global sales, operations and supply chain. He was also in charge of sales and customer support across markets and countries. Before joining Apple in 1998, Cook worked as vice president of Corporate Materials at Compaq. Steve Jobs personally recruited him to join Apple. During Jobs’ health-related leave, Cook temporarily stepped in as interim CEO and led the company until Jobs returned.
