Tim Cook, the Alabama native who led Apple for nearly 15 years, announced Monday that he is stepping down as CEO, prompting Gov. Kay Ivey to honor the Mobile-born executive she called “an Alabamian through and through.

Here in Alabama, we will always be proud of Tim Cook! He is an Alabamian through and through — born in Mobile and a graduate of Auburn University. I wish @tim_cook continued success and am grateful for all he has done and will continue to do for our state. https://t.co/JXUGk5bJmS

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) April 20, 2026

Apple announced Monday that Cook will step down as CEO effective September 1, 2026, after nearly 15 years leading the company. John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will take over as CEO. Cook will remain involved with the company as executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors.

Under Cook’s tenure, Apple grew from a market capitalization of roughly $350 billion to approximately $4 trillion, overseeing the launch of the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Pay, and Apple Vision Pro, among other products. Cook took over as CEO in 2011 following the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

Cook, 65, was born in Mobile and graduated from Auburn University before earning an MBA from Duke University.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].