Tech world leaders are exchanging accolades as Apple announces a major leadership change. Google chief Sundar Pichai led the tributes, congratulating Tim Cook on his stellar career and new Executive Chairman role at Apple.
Posting on X, Pichai celebrated Cook’s dedication: ‘Congratulations on an incredible journey! We respect your commitment to Apple’s mission and wish you success in your new role. Excited to collaborate with John.’
The shift is set for September 1, 2026, when Cook, CEO since succeeding Steve Jobs in 2011, hands over to hardware engineering SVP John Ternus. In his new capacity, Cook will engage global policymakers and advise on key initiatives.
Reflecting on his era, Cook told supporters, ‘Leading Apple has been the greatest honor of my life.’ He praised Ternus as a brilliant engineer and innovator poised to uphold Apple’s customer-centric ethos.
Ternus’s two-decade journey at Apple began in product design, evolving into leadership over hardware for iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and Macs. His hands-on role in generational product evolutions has earned him widespread acclaim.
Cook bid a symbolic farewell on X: ‘This isn’t goodbye. It’s welcoming John, and I can’t wait for you to know him as you’ve known me.’ The transition underscores Apple’s robust succession planning, ensuring innovation persists.
Pichai’s outreach highlights rare camaraderie between Google and Apple, hinting at potential joint ventures. Investors and fans alike view Ternus’s promotion as a vote of confidence in Apple’s engineering prowess amid fierce competition.
