Apple turns to Tim Cook to replace Steve Jobs

24.08.2011
Apple's newest CEO has a tough act to follow. But in turning to chief operating officer Tim Cook to replace Steve Jobs in the wake of the latter's Wednesday, Apple's board of directors has chosen a familiar face with a proven track record with the company.

Cook is no stranger to the spotlight. He's handled the day-to-day CEO duties at Apple since in January. That marked the third time Cook has overseen the company--he was also interim CEO in 2004 as Jobs underwent treatment for pancreatic cancer and again for as Jobs dealt with more health issues.

And now he's the official CEO, for two reasons: His resume, and his track record.

Jobs's resignation letter refers to an already-in-place succession plan, .

Wired once Tim Cook as "[a] quiet, soft-spoken, low-key executive," and "the yin to Jobs's yang." He's 50-years-old, holds a degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University, and an MBA from Duke University.

Cook left Compaq in 1998 to join Apple as its senior vice president of operations, and steadily rose through the ranks until he was awarded his current title of chief operating officer in 2005. He's credited with reinventing Apple's approach to inventory supply chains, keeping in-demand products in stock, and managing the carefully-timed release of new ones. Prior to Compaq, he worked at IBM and Intelligent Electronics.