Tim Cook has transitioned from his role as Apple’s chief executive to become the company’s executive chair, receiving a compensation package valued at approximately $47 million. This package comprises a $2 million base salary and $45 million in shares, with half of this stock award contingent upon performance targets and the other half set to vest over a four-year period.
In his new position, Cook will concentrate on external relations, managing Apple’s interactions with governments and policymakers, and strengthening its presence in key international markets. This shift marks a new chapter in Cook’s career, following his tenure as CEO, during which Apple’s market valuation soared to an impressive $4.7 trillion.
John Ternus, who has taken over the CEO role from Cook, is set to receive a $3 million base salary along with a $55 million stock award. A significant portion of Ternus’s compensation is linked to performance, reflecting Apple’s emphasis on results-driven leadership. Ternus, a veteran Apple executive and former head of hardware engineering, is now tasked with steering Apple’s product strategy and operations.
Cook’s earnings as Apple’s CEO surpassed $74 million in 2025, a testament to his leadership during a period of substantial growth for the company. His new role as executive chair allows him to focus on broadening Apple’s influence and maintaining its competitive edge in the global market while Ternus takes the helm of the company’s strategic and operational pursuits.