Apple CEO Tim Cook has discussed the iPhone maker’s “very detailed” succession plans when he eventually exits the company, saying he will be with Apple “there for a while,” although his job is to train “several people for the ability to succeed” when he departs.
Speaking with pop star Dua Lipa in a rare podcast appearance, in which the pair discuss Apple’s use of artificial intelligence, and the advocation of new regulations on the use of AI, Cook says “We’re a company that believes in working on succession plans, so we have very detailed succession plans. Because something unpredictable can always happen. I could step off the wrong curb tomorrow. Hopefully that doesn’t happen, I pray that it doesn’t.”
When asked by Dua who would be his replacement, Cook said “I can’t say that, but I would say that my job is to prepare several people for the ability to succeed, and I really want the person to come from within Apple, the next CEO. So that’s my role: That there’s several for the board to pick from.”
Cook has previously said that he ‘probably’ won’t be with the company in 10 years.’
Cook joined Apple in 1998 after being head-hunted by Steve Jobs for the role of senior vice president of worldwide. Cook then later transitioned into the role of lead operations and served as chief executive in 2009, while Jobs was away on a leave of absence for health-related issues.