Tim Cook was Apple's seventh CEO, longest-serving, and only the third not fired. Unlike predecessors, he was more transformative in business and financial terms than Steve Jobs. While remembered less for products, Cook proved a shrewd businessman and vastly more of a politician.

His leadership made Apple the world's most valuable company, pushing its valuation above $5 trillion. Cook also navigated Trump's tariffs through strategic lobbying. He served as interim CEO twice during Steve Jobs' health leaves before officially taking the role, becoming the first Apple CEO promoted from within.