Tim Cook has sent his final memo to Apple employees as CEO. The message appeared on August 31, one day before Apple’s planned leadership handoff. In a memo obtained by 9to5Mac, Cook thanked staff, reflected on his 15-year tenure, and backed John Ternus as the executive set to take over on September 1.
Cook thanked the team behind Apple
Cook’s note focused on the people who helped build Apple during his time at the top. He credited employees for the company’s success and called serving as CEO a “privilege of a lifetime.”
He also made clear that the move is not a departure from Apple. Cook said he is stepping away from the role, not leaving the company, and praised Ternus as “brilliant and wonderful and capable.”
In a separate post on X, Cook thanked the Apple community and wrote, “My title changes tomorrow.” He added that his affection for Apple customers would not change.
Ternus is set to take over on September 1
Apple has been preparing for the handoff since April, when it announced that John Ternus would replace Cook as CEO. Apple’s official newsroom announcement set the transition for September 1 and said Cook would become executive chairman of the board.
Apple’s Form 8-K filing records the same effective date and adds that Ternus will join the board. Arthur Levinson, Apple’s then non-executive chairman, will become lead independent director. Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and became senior vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2021, according to the filing.
Cook will stay involved
Cook’s new role keeps him close to Apple. The company says he will help with certain aspects of the business, including engaging with policymakers around the world. Ternus will take the CEO role and day-to-day leadership.
