Tim Cook has transitioned from his role as Apple’s chief executive to the position of executive chair, securing a compensation package valued at approximately $47 million. This package consists of a $2 million base salary complemented by $45 million in stock awards. Notably, half of these stock awards are contingent upon meeting performance objectives, while the rest is scheduled to vest over a four-year period.
The leadership baton has been passed to John Ternus, who steps into the CEO position with a $3 million base salary and a stock award of $55 million. A larger portion of Ternus’s compensation is also linked to performance milestones. Before this transition, Cook’s annual compensation as Apple’s CEO had surpassed $74 million in 2025, a period during which Apple’s market valuation saw a significant increase, climbing to approximately $4.7 trillion.
As he assumes the role of executive chair, Cook’s focus will shift towards managing Apple’s external relationships. His responsibilities will include overseeing the company’s interactions with government entities and policymakers, as well as nurturing its connections within key international markets.
John Ternus, who has been an integral part of Apple for many years and most recently served as the head of hardware engineering, will now guide the company’s product strategy and operational framework in his new capacity as CEO. His extensive experience within the company positions him well to steer Apple through its next chapter of innovation and growth.