Tim Cook is out as Apple CEO. He gave a 15-year masterclass in succeeding a legend.

Tim Cook's tenure as Apple CEO concluded on Monday, August 30, 2022, marking the end of a 15-year masterclass in following a legendary CEO. Cook succeeded Steve Jobs as Apple's leader, taking on the challenging task just weeks after Jobs' untimely death in October 2011. Few would have dared to follow such an iconic figure, yet Cook managed to take Apple to new heights during his 15-year leadership.

Under Cook's guidance, Apple's annual net sales and net income nearly quadrupled, with net income reaching over $100 billion. Apple's market capitalization surged from approximately $350 billion to a staggering $4.6 trillion, a near 2,300% increase in stock price from $13 to $317. Cook's success in following a legendary CEO offers valuable lessons.

First, he maintained the core values instilled by Jobs, such as focus, collaboration, user experience, and seamless integration of hardware, software, and services. Cook emphasized that Apple was Jobs' baby, and he remained deeply committed to the company. Second, Cook didn't shy away from Jobs' legacy but instead forged his own path.

He followed Jobs' advice to "never ask what I would do; just do the right thing," becoming the best version of himself. Cook restructured Apple to be more democratic, involving Apple executives in collective decision-making and team leaders developing products. Additionally, he placed greater emphasis on operations and financials, expanding Apple into China and growing its services business to over $100 billion.

Cook recognized his strengths, focusing on building an efficient supply chain and transforming Apple into a recurring-service juggernaut, rather than attempting to replicate Jobs' innovative product design. Cook's methodical approach resulted in Apple becoming the world's largest company for a decade. However, Cook's leadership also had its share of challenges.

Apple's reputation for innovation faced setbacks due to less successful product launches like the HomePod and Vision Pro headset, as well as the canceled plan to develop a self-driving car. Despite these setbacks, Cook's ability to follow in Steve Jobs' footsteps and steer Apple to success remains a testament to his leadership prowess.