Tim Cook has transitioned from his role as Apple’s chief executive to take on the position of executive chair, receiving a compensation package valued at approximately $47 million. This package is comprised of a $2 million base salary and $45 million in stock, with half of the shares contingent on meeting performance goals, while the other half will vest over the next four years.
Cook’s decision to step down from the CEO role has paved the way for John Ternus to assume the position. Ternus, previously the head of hardware engineering and a long-standing Apple executive, is set to lead Apple’s product strategy and operations. His compensation includes a $3 million base salary paired with a $55 million stock award, a significant portion of which is linked to performance metrics.
During Cook’s tenure as CEO, which saw his compensation surpass $74 million in 2025, Apple experienced remarkable growth, with its market value reaching an impressive $4.7 trillion. This substantial increase in value underscores Cook’s impact on the company during his leadership period.
In his new role as executive chair, Cook will concentrate on managing Apple’s external affairs. This includes overseeing the company’s interactions with governments and policymakers, as well as maintaining and expanding its connections within key international markets.
