Apple's Next CEO? The Low-Profile Engineer in Line to Succeed Tim Cook

A key but quiet executive is now the likely candidate to lead Apple after Tim Cook. John Ternus, Apple's head of hardware engineering, is positioned to become the company's next chief executive. This would happen if and when the current CEO, Tim Cook, decides to step down. Ternus is not a public figure. However, he is a powerful leader inside Apple. He oversees all hardware engineering, including the iPhone and Mac. He joined Apple in 2001 and rose through the engineering ranks. His deep technical knowledge and management experience make him a strong internal candidate. Tim Cook became CEO in 2011, succeeding founder Steve Jobs. There is no announced timeline for Cook's departure. The company's board of directors would make the final decision.