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Tech

Tim Cook: Apple’s Chief Executive Officer

Human Profile
Name:Timothy Donald Cook
Birthday:November 1, 1960 (age 65 years), Born in Mobile, Alabama
Education:Robertsdale High School (Diploma)
Auburn University (BS), Industrial Engineering
Duke University (MBA), Business Administration

Overview

Timothy Donald Cook is an American business executive and philanthropist who serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Apple Inc., distinguished for streamlining the company’s global supply chain, overseeing the launch of products like the Apple Watch and AirPods and services such as Apple Pay, and for his strong advocacy for user privacy, environmental responsibility, and human rights, notably becoming the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Latest News (Feb 8, 2026): During a recent all-hands meeting, Tim Cook expressed an "obsession" with Apple’s long-term leadership succession and pledged to lobby the U.S. government on immigration policies. He also promoted the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show on social media alongside Bad Bunny and teased upcoming celebrations for the company's 50th anniversary.

Early Life and Education

Timothy Donald Cook was born on November 1, 1960, in Mobile, Alabama, and grew up in the nearby town of Robertsdale. His father, Donald Cook, was a shipyard worker, while his mother, Geraldine Cook, worked at a pharmacy. He graduated from Robertsdale High School in 1978.

Cook pursued higher education at Auburn University, earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1982. He later attended Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1988 and was named a Fuqua Scholar, an honor given to students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their class.

Career Beginnings

After graduating from Auburn University, Timothy Donald Cook began his career at IBM, where he worked for 12 years. At IBM, his roles included director of North American fulfillment, where he was responsible for manufacturing and distribution for the company’s Personal Computer Company in North and Latin America.

In 1994, he joined Intelligent Electronics, Inc., where he served as the chief operating officer of the reseller division. Following this, in 1997, he had a six-month tenure at Compaq Computer Corporation as the vice president of corporate materials, where his responsibilities included procuring and managing product inventory.

Rise at Apple

In 1998, Timothy Donald Cook joined Apple as the senior vice president for worldwide operations. His initial major contribution was to streamline the company’s operations by closing factories and warehouses and establishing relationships with contract manufacturers. This strategy significantly reduced inventory turnover from months to days.

He was promoted to executive vice president of worldwide sales and operations in 2002. In 2005, he was named the chief operating officer (COO) of Apple. As COO, he was responsible for all of the company’s worldwide sales and operations, including the management of Apple’s supply chain, sales activities, and service and support. He also led the Macintosh division and played a key role in the development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships. On several occasions, he served as interim CEO during Steve Jobs’s medical leaves of absence.

Leadership at Apple

Timothy Donald Cook was named the chief executive officer of Apple on August 24, 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs. Under his leadership, Apple has launched new products, including the Apple Watch and AirPods, and introduced services such as Apple Pay. He has overseen the continued growth of the iPhone and other key products. His tenure has been marked by a focus on a collaborative and inclusive company culture, a departure from his predecessor’s more combative approach.

As CEO, he has been a vocal advocate for user privacy, environmental responsibility, and human rights. He has committed Apple to becoming carbon neutral across its entire business by 2030. He has also navigated controversies, including criticisms regarding working conditions at manufacturing partners and decisions related to app availability in certain countries.

Personal Life and Impact

Timothy Donald Cook is a private individual and a fitness enthusiast, enjoying activities such as hiking and cycling. In 2014, he became the first chief executive of a Fortune 500 company to publicly come out as gay.

He engages in philanthropy and has stated he plans to donate his fortune to charity. He is an advocate for social justice issues, including racial equality and LGBTQ rights. He also serves on the board of directors for Nike, Inc. and is a trustee of Duke University.