Buzz
When you mention Apple, you think of Steve Jobs, and vice versa. However, for Apple to achieve today's success, Steve Jobs alone isn't sufficient. That was true only when Apple was a small company. But for a company valued at over $1 trillion and with billions of followers worldwide, Apple needs someone else!Jobs, Cook, and Apple's Legacy
Jobs was a CEO like no other, individuals as unique and unconventional as him may only be encountered once in a blue moon, or unfortunately, may never be encountered again. He wasn't just a CEO; he was also Apple's product director — the decision-maker on crucial product matters. Cook hasn't taken on that role, but that's okay, because Cook doesn't need to. Many anticipated Tim Cook would fail because he wasn't 'a product person.' But that's not what he needed to be.
Unlike at Apple, in most companies, the person in charge of products is not usually the CEO. They often hold lower positions in the company hierarchy — usually designers or engineers. Of course, sometimes there are outstanding individuals, like Jony Ive. Jony, who has now departed Apple, worked closely with Steve Jobs for many years. Before leaving Apple, some wondered if Jony still needed Jobs' feedback and ideas, as well as support, to continue designing great products, but based on Apple's product lineup since Jobs' passing, the answer seems to be no. Apple continues to innovate with unique products long after Steve Jobs passed away in 2011, and even after Jony Ive left in 2019.Great products need someone to take them far
However, what many may not realize is that the most crucial aspect of a large company like Apple isn't the product but rather the backend, including supply chain, distribution, finance, and marketing. All these factors need to be interconnected and operate smoothly and efficiently. And Cook has proven his talent for those skeptical about all these backend issues. As a result, to many, he's the best CEO Apple has ever had.
This may sound incredibly unusual to Apple and Steve Jobs enthusiasts. How could Cook possibly be a better CEO than Steve Jobs? Jobs was revered for the products he and his team created. While alive, he was an untouchable figure, and nearly everyone agrees he's been the best CEO Apple has had to date. Jobs founded Apple, rescued it from the brink, and propelled it to greatness. He's the one who brought about some of the biggest breakthroughs in technology, from the first PC (Apple II) to the first user-friendly PC for everyone (Mac), and then the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, and many more products.
Pursuing what we do best
However, many fail to realize that the most crucial aspect of a giant company like Apple isn't the product but rather the infrastructure, including supply chain, distribution, finance, and marketing. All these factors need to be interconnected and operate smoothly and efficiently. Cook has proven himself capable in these backend matters, leading many to regard him as the best CEO Apple has ever had.
Before his appointment as CEO in August 2011, Tim served as Apple's chief operating officer, overseeing all of the company's global operations and sales, including managing Apple's end-to-end supply chain, sales activities, as well as services and support across all markets and countries. He also headed Apple's Macintosh division, playing a vital role in further developing strategic relationships with resellers and suppliers, ensuring adaptability to meet the market's growing demands.
