Tim Cook

Timothy Donald Cook, born on November 1, 1960, is a prominent American business leader best known as the chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Cook's journey at Apple began in March 1998 when he was appointed senior vice president for worldwide operations, later advancing to vice president for worldwide sales and operations. He succeeded co-founder Steve Jobs as CEO on August 24, 2011, following Jobs' resignation.

Under Cook's leadership, Apple has experienced remarkable growth. From 2011 to 2020, the company’s revenue and profits have doubled, with its market capitalization soaring from $348 billion to an impressive $1.9 trillion. By 2023, Apple emerged as the world's largest technology company, boasting a revenue of $394.33 billion.

Cook has also championed various social issues, advocating for reforms in surveillance, cybersecurity, and environmental sustainability. His approach to management contrasts with Jobs' micromanagement style, fostering a more collaborative workplace culture.

In addition to his role at Apple, Cook has been a board member of Nike since 2005 and serves on the board of the National Football Foundation while being a trustee of Duke University, where he studied. He made headlines in 2014 as the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Cook is also known for his philanthropic efforts, having expressed intentions to donate his wealth to charitable causes. His influence has been recognized multiple times, including his inclusion on the Time 100 list in both 2012 and 2021. As of December 2025, his net worth is estimated at $2.6 billion by Forbes.