Tim Cook

Timothy Donald Cook was born on November 1, 1960, in Mobile, Alabama, and earned his Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Auburn University followed by an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Prior to joining Apple, Cook spent 12 years at IBM managing manufacturing and distribution operations across North America and Latin America, later serving as Vice President of Corporate Materials at Compaq.

In March 1998, Steve Jobs recruited Cook to Apple as Senior Vice President for Worldwide Operations. Cook executed one of the greatest operational turnarounds in corporate history, shuttering Apple-owned factories, transitioning to contract manufacturers, and slashing inventory from months to days. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer in August 2011 shortly before Jobs's passing.

Under Cook's leadership, Apple launched landmark innovations including Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Silicon (M-series processors), and Apple Vision Pro, while pioneering Apple Pay and Services. Cook established Apple as an ethical corporate leader, achieving 100% renewable energy for global facilities and fiercely defending user encryption and digital privacy.