Tim Cook to Remain at Apple as Executive Chair with $47 Million Pay Package

Tim Cook relinquished the Apple CEO title to hardware veteran John Ternus, yet will remain with the company as executive chair starting Sept. 26. In that capacity, he will earn a $2 million annual salary and receive an equity award targeting $45 million, bringing his total compensation package to $47 million. The chair role will see Cook continue to handle policy outreach and maintain Apple’s relationships with governments worldwide, a skill set that earned him the nickname “Trump whisperer” for his dealings with President Donald Trump on tariff and supply-chain matters.

Apple’s strategy increasingly depends on such diplomatic navigation as it shifts parts of its Asian supply chain amid U.S. tariff pressures and growing U.S. manufacturing investments. Recent announcements include a $500 billion U.S. spending plan and a $100 billion boost to domestic production, underscoring the importance of Cook’s government-focused responsibilities. His tenure saw Apple’s market value rise from roughly $347 billion to $4.6 trillion, reflecting both product success and adept political management.