Words: Tom Ward
Born on November 1st 1960 in Mobile, Alabama, there was nothing in Timothy Donald Cook’s early life to suggest he would end up running one of the most successful companies in the world. But, a decade into his tenure as Apple CEO that is indeed the position he has found himself in.
Starting out with a degree from Auburn University, Cook spent 12 years working with IBM, eventually becoming the director of North American fulfilment. In 1997 he was hired by Steve Jobs, beginning a long friendship and working relationship (when Jobs was diagnosed with cancer, Cook reportedly offered him part of his liver after finding out they shared a rare blood type. Jobs refused).
When Jobs resigned in 2011 he named Cook his successor on August 24, 2011. Six weeks later, Jobs died due to complications from pancreatic cancer. With his friend and mentor gone, Cook had large shoes (and turtlenecks) to fill.
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