Tim Cook has shared a final message with Apple employees as he prepares to step down as CEO on September 1, ending a leadership run that shaped the company for 15 years. John Ternus will take over as Apple CEO, while Cook will remain with the company as executive chairman.
9to5Mac published Cook’s full memo to employees, in which he thanked Apple staff for what he called the “privilege of a lifetime” and reflected on the culture that developed during his years leading the company.
Team,
Today is my last day as CEO of Apple. This is a moment I always knew would come one day, and yet it is still hard to believe it has arrived and I am writing these words. I love this company and the team behind it, and I couldn’t let this day pass without sending a note to you, to tell you how grateful I am for the outpouring of affection you’ve sent my way, for the way you’ve shown up each and every day, and most of all, for the privilege of a lifetime serving as your leader.
The truth is, whatever there is to say about my success, I know it is all because of you. You have brought out the best in me. In all my life, I have never seen or been with such an extraordinary team of people before, and every day I get to see more examples of that.
As you know, I am not leaving Apple. But I am stepping away from a role that I have loved deeply. I will miss this work in ways I can only begin to imagine, even as I remain completely at peace with my decision. I will miss leading you and being with you for every step, even as I take enormous comfort in handing the helm to someone as brilliant and wonderful and capable as John.
Yours,
Tim
Tim Cook also thanks Apple customers
Cook also posted a separate message to Apple customers, saying his “title changes tomorrow” while his connection with the Apple community will remain the same, and he thanked users for being a “constant source of inspiration.”
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Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also reported new details surrounding Cook and Apple ahead of the transition, including broader Vision Pro layoffs and an Apple job listing for an executive bodyguard capable of hiking and backpacking through difficult environments.
Cook is known for hiking and visiting U.S. national parks, and his move to executive chairman will keep him involved with Apple even after Ternus officially takes control of the company on September 1.
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