As Tim Cook, Apple's chief executive officer (CEO), approaches his 65th birthday, internal discussions about the next CEO are quietly underway, the U.S. IT outlets CNET and Bloomberg reported on the 11th (local time).
Cook has not yet officially mentioned retirement or resignation, but Apple is said to be preparing behind the scenes for a smooth leadership transition. Cook, who succeeded Apple founder Steve Jobs as CEO in 2011, turns 65 on Nov. 1.
According to the stock information website StockTwits, since Cook became CEO Apple's share price has risen about 1,800%. The U.S. IT outlet CNET said, "If Jobs launched innovative products like the iPhone that changed everyday life, Cook is credited with expanding the Apple experience by introducing a variety of services centered on the smartphone."
Under Cook's leadership, Apple has launched a range of products—Apple Pay, Apple Watch, earbuds, subscription services—and integrated them into the Apple ecosystem. It has also entered the entertainment industry, producing and distributing Oscar-winning films and Emmy-winning TV series through Apple TV Plus.
Bloomberg reported that John Ternus, currently Apple's vice president of hardware engineering, is considered the most likely candidate to succeed Cook as CEO. Ternus has worked at Apple for more than 20 years and is regarded as having the knowledge and experience to be promoted to CEO. He is 50, the same age Cook was when he became CEO, and is seen as having the strength of being able to provide consistent leadership for at least the next decade.
In September, he took the stage at Apple's annual developer conference to introduce the thinnest iPhone ever, the "iPhone Air," and personally took part in interviews related to the device.
He also personally attended the launch event held at the Apple Store in London.
Jeff Williams, the former chief operating officer (COO) who had long been Apple's No. 2, had for years been considered the leading candidate to succeed Cook. However, Williams stepped down as COO earlier this year and plans to retire at the end of the year.
Craig Federighi, 56, senior vice president of software engineering, and Greg Joswiak, 62, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, are also mentioned as possible successors. Federighi, who joined Apple in 2009, is well known for taking the lead in promotion, including unveiling products at events. Joswiak, who has been with Apple since 1987, led the launches of the iPad and iPhone.
Brian Ma, vice president at the market research firm IDC, said, "Apple has a solid bench of successor candidates," adding, "However, the high bar set by 'star CEOs' like Steve Jobs and Tim Cook will be a burden for the next leader."