Tim Cook has transitioned from his role as Apple’s chief executive to become the company’s executive chair, securing a compensation package valued at approximately $47 million. This package consists of a $2 million base salary and $45 million in Apple shares. Notably, half of the stock grant is contingent upon meeting specific performance targets, while the rest will vest over a span of four years.
In his new position as executive chair, Cook will concentrate on external affairs. His responsibilities will encompass managing Apple’s relationships with governments and policymakers, as well as strengthening the company’s connections with key international markets. During his time as CEO, Cook’s compensation surpassed $74 million in 2025, a period marked by Apple’s market value soaring to around $4.7 trillion.
John Ternus, who has succeeded Cook as CEO, will receive a base salary of $3 million, along with a $55 million stock award. A significant portion of Ternus’s compensation is also tied to performance metrics. Ternus, a veteran at Apple and the former head of hardware engineering, now leads the company’s product strategy and operations in his new role as chief executive.
The leadership change sees Cook passing the baton to Ternus, who has been instrumental in shaping Apple’s hardware innovations. As CEO, Ternus is now charged with steering the company through its next phase of growth and technological advancements. The transition in leadership marks a pivotal moment for Apple as it continues to navigate its position as a global technology leader.