Tim Cook says John Ternus is the ‘perfect person’ to succeed him as Apple CEO

Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook has praised his successor John Ternus, calling him the “perfect person” to lead Apple as the company prepares for one of the biggest leadership changes in its history.

Speaking during a joint interview at the premiere of the fourth season of Ted Lasso, Cook reflected on his 15 years as Apple’s chief executive while expressing confidence in the transition, which will see Ternus become CEO on September 1.

“I feel so much gratitude to have been the CEO of Apple for 15 years and to work with all of the people that I get to work with,” Cook said. “It’s a privilege of a lifetime.”

When asked how the leadership handover was progressing, Cook described the transition in glowing terms.

“It’s over the top great,” he said. “John is the perfect person for this role, and the whole thing has just been great – the employee piece, the investor piece, everything – so I feel really great.”

Cook added that both he and Ternus have worked to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

“We really wanted this transition to be the best because Apple deserves the best, and both of us are really doing that, and it feels fantastic.”

Ternus, who has spent 25 years at Apple and currently serves as the company’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, said being chosen to lead Apple is an opportunity he never expected.

“It’s amazing,” Ternus said. “What an incredible opportunity. I’ve been at Apple for 25 years, I love Apple, and to have this opportunity is beyond words.”

Although the interview took place on the red carpet for the return of Ted Lasso, the pair also discussed Apple TV+, with Ternus praising the streaming service’s recent momentum and saying he is excited to continue working with talented storytellers and creative teams.

Cook also reflected on the success of Apple TV+, which launched during his tenure as CEO in 2019. The service recently achieved a record 89 Emmy Award nominations, something Cook described as an exciting milestone as he prepares to step down from the role.

Cook will remain at Apple as Executive Chairman after Ternus takes over as CEO later this year.