Apple Intensifying CEO Succession Planning, My Initial Thoughts on How Things Play Out
Today's Above Avalon Daily update includes the following stories:
Apple Intensifying CEO Succession Planning
My Initial Thoughts on How Things Play Out
Hello everyone. This is going to be the first part of a two-part update dedicated to Apple CEO succession. The Financial Times is out with an important article on the topic. There’s much to discuss, including my thoughts on what may happen after Tim Cook steps down as CEO. Let’s jump right in.
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Apple COO Jeff Williams to Retire, Revisiting Apple CEO Succession
Hello everyone. Today’s update will be dedicated to going over Apple’s COO transition. The news broke a few hours ago. We will likely have more to say about the topic tomorrow as well.
Apple COO Jeff Williams to Retire
Here’s Apple:
“Apple today announced Jeff Williams will transition his role as chief operating officer later this month to Sabih Khan, Apple’s senior vice president of Operations, as part of a long-planned succession. Williams will continue reporting to Apple CEO Tim Cook and overseeing Apple’s world-class design team and Apple Watch alongside the company’s Health initiatives. Apple’s design team will then transition to reporting directly to Cook after Williams retires late in the year…
‘Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him. He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple’s health strategy; and led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication,’ said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. ‘I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship. Jeff’s true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he’s created and, while he’ll be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands.’"
The entire press release made for an interesting read. Here's Williams:
“‘I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime, and I can’t thank Tim enough for the opportunity, his inspirational leadership, and our friendship over the years...June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years and I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership in this role.’”
Williams joined Apple in 1998 as head of worldwide procurement. While Cook was the unsung hero during the Jobs era, Williams was Tim Cook’s unsung hero. Appointed COO in December 2015, Williams spent the past decade overseeing the critical teams that kept the Apple machine running.
Over the years, Williams’ responsibility evolved to include:
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