Apple has disclosed the massive compensation packages for its new CEO John Ternus and Executive Chairman Tim Cook. Ternus is eyeing a $58 million target, while Cook transitions to a new role with a $47 million package.
- New CEO John Ternus has a target compensation of approximately $58 million (₹551 crore).
- Tim Cook will receive about $47 million in his new role as Executive Chairman.
- Ternus's pay is heavily tied to Apple's stock performance relative to the S&P 500.
- Under Cook's 15-year CEO tenure, Apple's valuation soared from $350 billion to over $4.5 trillion.
Apple has officially entered a new chapter of leadership. The tech giant has disclosed the compensation details for its newly appointed CEO, John Ternus, and its transitionary leader, Tim Cook, who is moving into the role of Executive Chairman. According to a recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), both executives are set to receive multi-million dollar stock awards.
Breakdown of the Pay Packages
The SEC filing reveals that John Ternus's target compensation for this fiscal year is approximately $58 million. This package consists of a $3 million annual base salary and targeted stock awards of $55 million for the upcoming year. Meanwhile, Tim Cook's compensation as Executive Chairman is slated at roughly $47 million, comprising a $2 million salary and $45 million in planned stock awards for fiscal 2027.
Notably, Cook's new package represents a decrease from his previous earnings as CEO. In 2025, his total compensation was approximately $74.3 million. This shift highlights a strategic restructuring within Apple's top-tier management.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the structure of Ternus's compensation is designed to align his interests directly with those of the shareholders. A significant 75% of his fiscal 2027 equity award is performance-based, linked to Apple's total shareholder return relative to other companies in the S&P 500. This ensures that the new CEO is incentivized to drive market-beating growth.
The transition from Cook to Ternus marks the most significant leadership evolution in Apple's modern history.
Historical Context
Tim Cook's tenure as CEO, which began in August 2011 following the passing of co-founder Steve Jobs, has been nothing short of legendary. During his 15-year leadership, he transformed Apple from a high-performing hardware company into a global ecosystem powerhouse, driving its valuation from $350 billion to a staggering $4.5 trillion.
| Component | John Ternus (CEO) | Tim Cook (Exec. Chair) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $3 Million | $2 Million |
| Targeted Stock Awards | $55 Million | $45 Million |
| Total Target Compensation | ~$58 Million | ~$47 Million |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is John Ternus's new salary?
John Ternus will receive a $3 million annual salary, with total target compensation reaching $58 million through stock awards.
2. How does Tim Cook's role change?
Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO and transitioning into the role of Executive Chairman.
