According to the Financial Times, Tim Cook might step down as Apple CEO as soon as next year. The board is reportedly beginning to put a succession plan into place. FT mentions that John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, is seen as the leading candidate for the role. Speculation about Cook’s potential departure follows the retirement of Apple COO Jeff Williams, whose last day was Friday. His exit has prompted some changes in executive responsibilities, including expanded roles for Services chief Eddy Cue, head of software engineering Craig Federighi, and Ternus. Regardless of who ultimately becomes CEO, it’s unlikely to be someone from outside Apple. Tim Cook has indicated that there is a strong preference for choosing an internal candidate and that the company has “very detailed succession plans.”
