Apple revealed its significant leadership change yesterday, with John Ternus officially poised to succeed Tim Cook as CEO later this year.
In the wake of that announcement, technology leaders (and others) have taken to social networks to commend Cook on the news.
Here’s Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google on social media:
> Congratulations on an outstanding tenure @tim_cook, always admired your profound dedication to Apple’s mission and best wishes in your new position! Eager to collaborate with John as well!
And here’s Sam Altman, CEO and co-founder of OpenAI:
> Tim Cook is a legend.
> I greatly appreciate everything he has accomplished and I am very thankful for Apple.
Warren Buffett, who stepped down from Berkshire Hathaway earlier this year, stated to CNBC:
> Apple would not be the Apple of today without Tim Cook. What he has achieved with Apple is something no one I’ve known could replicate.
> Navigating the world and maintaining relations with countries of all sorts of histories and doing right by the customer, those who worked for him, certainly the shareholders, of which we were fortunate enough to be one… he’s truly one of a kind.
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon:
> Congratulations to @tim_cook on his nearly 15 years of leadership at @Apple and to John Ternus on his new role as CEO.
Kay Ivey, Governor of Cook’s home state of Alabama:
> Here in Alabama, we will always take pride in Tim Cook! He is an Alabamian at heart — born in Mobile and an Auburn University graduate. I wish @tim_cook ongoing success and am thankful for all he has accomplished and will continue to do for our state.
President Donald Trump (copied verbatim from his website):
> I have always been a huge admirer of Tim Cook, and likewise, Steve Jobs, but if Steve had not been taken from the Planet Earth so early, and managed the company instead of Tim, the company would have fared well, but not nearly as well as it has under Tim. For me, it started with a phone call from Tim at the onset of my First Term. He had a fairly substantial issue that only I, as President, could resolve… Anyway, Tim Cook had an AMAZING career, almost unmatched, and will continue to do great things for Apple, and whatever else he chooses to pursue. Quite simply, Tim Cook is an exceptional individual!!!