Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tim Cook

How Tim Cook built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Tim Cook is the current CEO of Apple, a position he assumed on August 24, 2011, after Steve Jobs' resignation. He joined Apple in March 1998, initially serving as Senior Vice President for Worldwide Operations, then as Vice President for Worldwide Sales and Operations. Before becoming CEO, he served as the company's Chief Operating Officer under Steve Jobs. Cook's leadership has continued Apple's trajectory as a leading technology innovator and one of the world's most valuable companies.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1988: Cook Earns MBA and Becomes a Fuqua Scholar

In 1988, Tim Cook earned his MBA from Duke University, becoming a Fuqua Scholar.

1997: Cook Becomes VP at Compaq

In 1997, Tim Cook became the vice president for corporate materials at Compaq.

March 1998: Cook Joins Apple as SVP

In March 1998, Tim Cook joined Apple as the senior vice president for worldwide operations.

1998: Steve Jobs Asks Cook to Join Apple

In 1998, Steve Jobs asked Tim Cook to join Apple.

1998: Cook Joins Apple

In early 1998, Tim Cook decided to join Apple, influenced by his meeting with Steve Jobs.

2005: Cook Joins Nike's Board of Directors

In 2005, Tim Cook joined the board of directors of Nike.

2005: Apple Invests in Flash Memory

In 2005, Tim Cook's group at Apple invested in long-term deals, including advance investment in flash memory.

Music Player Compatible with MP4/MP3 - Apple iPod Nano 3rd Generation (4GB / 8GB) (Blue, 8GB) (Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

January 2007: Cook Promoted to Lead Operations

In January 2007, Tim Cook was promoted to lead operations at Apple.

2009: Offered Liver to Steve Jobs

In 2009, Tim Cook offered a portion of his liver to Steve Jobs due to their shared rare blood type. However, Jobs refused the offer emphatically.

2009: Cook Becomes CEO During Jobs' Leave

In 2009, Tim Cook served as chief executive officer while Steve Jobs was on a leave of absence due to failing health.

2010: Commencement Speech at Auburn

During his 2010 commencement speech at Auburn, Tim Cook highlighted the importance of intuition in decision-making, while also emphasizing the need for preparation and hard work.

January 2011: Cook Takes Over Day-to-Day Operations

In January 2011, Apple's board approved a third medical leave for Jobs, and Tim Cook was responsible for most of Apple's day-to-day operations.

August 24, 2011: Cook Appointed Apple CEO

On August 24, 2011, Tim Cook was appointed the chief executive officer of Apple, following Steve Jobs's resignation.

August 24, 2011: Cook Named CEO of Apple

On August 24, 2011, Tim Cook was named the new chief executive officer of Apple after Steve Jobs resigned from the position, becoming chairman of the board.

2011: Cook Takes Over Apple

In 2011, Tim Cook took over Apple.

2011: Reports that Cook was Gay

In early 2011, it was reported that Tim Cook was gay, although at the time he tried to keep his personal life private while still publicly supporting LGBT rights.

October 29, 2012: Apple Executive Team Changes

On October 29, 2012, Tim Cook made major changes to Apple's executive team, including the resignation of Scott Forstall and the dismissal of John Browett.

2012: Executive Changes After Quarter Performance

In 2012, after the third quarter of the fiscal year, Tim Cook made executive changes due to revenues and profits growing less than predicted.

May 2013: Cook Shares Leadership Focus

In May 2013, Tim Cook shared that his leadership focused on people, strategy, and execution.

2013: Forstall Departs from Apple

In 2013, Scott Forstall eventually departed from Apple, after resigning in October 2012.

June 2014: Attended San Francisco's Gay Pride Parade

In June 2014, Tim Cook participated in San Francisco's gay pride parade with Apple staff.

March 2015: Cook Announces Plans to Donate Fortune to Charity

In March 2015, Tim Cook announced his plans to donate his fortune to charity.

June 2015: The New York Times Article: Tim Cook, Making Apple His Own

On June 15, 2015, The New York Times published an article titled "Tim Cook, Making Apple His Own" by Matt Richtel and Brian X. Chen.

September 2015: Clarified Privacy Views on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

In September 2015, Tim Cook appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to explain that he felt he had valued his privacy too much and wanted to use his position to help others by sharing his truth.

2015: Named to Duke University Board of Trustees

In 2015, Tim Cook was appointed to Duke University's board of trustees for a six-year term.

December 2017: Cook Speaks at World Internet Conference

In December 2017, Tim Cook was a speaker at the World Internet Conference in China.

2018: Delivered Duke University's Commencement Address

In 2018, Tim Cook delivered the commencement address at Duke University.

October 2019: Talked About Coming Out Decision

In October 2019, Tim Cook discussed his decision to come out as gay, acknowledging the LGBTQ activists who paved the way for him and expressing his hope that his openness could inspire LGBTQ youth facing difficulties.