John Ternus became Apple’s new CEO this week, and a new profile offers fresh details about his personality, career, and reputation inside the company as he begins leading Apple after Tim Cook’s 15-year run.
The Financial Times reports that Ternus is widely seen inside Apple as highly capable and understated, while people who worked with him over the years describe him as calm, focused, and deeply involved in product development.
Ternus built his career quietly inside Apple
Corning CEO Wendell Weeks, who worked with Ternus during development of the original iPad, described him as talented, humble, and dedicated to excellence. Weeks also pointed to Ternus’s interest in racing cars as an example of the combination of passion and composure he brings to his work.
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Ternus joined Apple in 2001 after studying mechanical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania and spending time at Virtual Research Systems. He later worked on major hardware projects, including Apple’s transition from plastic computers to aluminum designs, AirPods development, and the move to Apple silicon in Macs.
In 2021, Ternus replaced Dan Riccio as Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, putting him in charge of one of the company’s most important product groups.
Apple employees appear comfortable with the transition
The Financial Times also reports that Apple held a celebration for Ternus at Apple Park on Tuesday, with Apple Music creative director Zane Lowe DJing during the event. One employee reportedly skipped the gathering because the leadership change already felt familiar inside the company.
Ternus has kept most of his personal life private, although the profile says he was born and raised in California, is married, has children, and was known as a strong swimmer during school.
His first major public appearance as Apple CEO is expected next week, when he will lead Apple’s annual iPhone launch event and introduce the company’s latest products.
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