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Tim Cook

Timothy Donald Cook is an American business executive best known as the chief executive officer of Apple, a role he has held since August 2011.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Timothy Donald Cook is an American business executive best known as the chief executive officer of Apple Inc., a position he has held since August 2011. He joined Apple in 1998 and previously served as the company's chief operating officer. Born in 1960, Cook studied industrial engineering at Auburn University and earned an MBA from Duke University.

Early life and education

Tim Cook was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1960. He studied industrial engineering at Auburn University and later earned an MBA from Duke University.

Career at Apple

Cook joined Apple in March 1998 and rose through operations leadership roles before becoming chief operating officer. He was appointed CEO on August 24, 2011, following Steve Jobs’ resignation.

Leadership as CEO

As CEO, Cook has overseen Apple’s global operations and continued the company’s expansion as one of the world’s largest technology firms. He also serves on Apple’s board of directors.

Public profile

Cook is one of the most prominent figures in the business and technology sectors. He is frequently covered for his leadership of Apple and his influence on corporate strategy and operations.

Key facts

  • Cook joined Apple in March 1998.
  • He became Apple’s CEO on August 24, 2011, after Steve Jobs resigned.
  • Before becoming CEO, he served as Apple’s chief operating officer.
  • He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University.
  • He is considered one of the most influential business leaders in technology.
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Canadian context

Tim Cook is relevant to Canadian readers because Apple products and services are widely used in Canada, and Apple’s leadership decisions affect Canadian consumers, developers, and retail operations.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Tim Cook?
Tim Cook is an American business executive and the chief executive officer of Apple.
How old is Tim Cook?
Tim Cook was born on November 1, 1960, which makes him 65 years old as of July 23, 2026.
What is Tim Cook's net worth?
Reliable sources in the provided results do not give a current net worth figure. Public estimates vary by source and date.
Is Tim Cook married?
No public record in the provided results indicates that Tim Cook is married.
What did Tim Cook study?
He studied industrial engineering at Auburn University and later earned an MBA from Duke University.
When did Tim Cook become CEO of Apple?
He became CEO of Apple on August 24, 2011.

References

  1. Apple — https://www.apple.com/leadership/tim-cook/
    Supports: Cook’s current role as CEO, board membership, previous role as chief operating officer, and education
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Tim-Cook
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, education, and appointment as Apple CEO in 2011
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Cook
    Supports: Birth date, Apple career timeline, and appointment date as CEO
  4. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/us/tim-cook-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth date, education, and CEO appointment timing