Apple CEO Tim Cook profiled as a 'methodical, no-nonsense' leader who isn't afraid to make tough dec
Apple under Tim Cook has become a kinder, gentler company than it was during the regime of Steve Jobs, but the current chief executive still has the ability to strike fear into his subordinates, a new profile reveals.
A closer look at Cook was given in a new feature published by Reuters on Thursday, detailing how Apple has changed in the last two years under his watch. Cook took over in August of 2011 when Jobs was forced to resign because of declining health. The company co-founder died only a few months later.
While Jobs was legendary for his sometimes ruthless aggression, Cook has a much more calm demeanor that Apple itself has come to reflect. Among the more noteworthy changes, Apple has become more transparent about its overseas supply chain, while Cook has also instituted a charitable matching program for employees to donate up to $10,000.
Despite his reputation as a "nice guy," Cook and his "methodical, no-nonsense style" can be intimidating, the new profile reveals. The CEO will reportedly rock steadily in his chair while listening in a meeting. If the pace changes, that's when employees become concerned.
With just one sentence, Cook can make an employee feel like they "want to crawl in a hole and die," one person familiar with the CEO told Reuters.
Among the toughest decisions he has made was firing Scott Forstall, the company's previous head of iOS development. That decision came after the launch of iOS 6 and Apple's new Maps application in late 2012 ? a product so subpar that Cook felt compelled to issue an apology to customers, and even recommend alternative mapping applications.
The profile also revealed the effects of corporate change at Apple under Cook. The company's number of employees have grown exponentially, but there have also reportedly been a greater number of departures from Apple, with Silicon Valley recruiters indicating they see more resumes from Apple employees than ever before ? particularly from hardware engineers.
Cook visiting a Foxconn plant in China last year.
One recruiter signaled they are "being inundated" with inquiries from Apple workers they "never imagined" would leave the company, while some recent employees are looking to leave because they "joined expecting something different than they encountered."
However, others said that Apple has become a better place to work under Cook, as it is now less "crazy" and "draconian" than it was with Jobs as CEO.
Cook has been under scrutiny at times this year as his company's stock tumbled following the launch of the iPhone 5 in late 2012. Despite recent gains offsetting some of those losses, some observers have expressed concern about Apple's ability to innovate post-Jobs.
Contributing to those concerns was the fact that Apple did not launch any major product updates in the first half of 2013 ? an uncharacteristically long dry spell for the company that has seen explosive growth in the last decade. Apple's next blockbuster product launch is expected to take place on Sept. 10, when the company will reportedly unveil a new flagship iPhone, as well as a less expensive model with a plastic back.
Also on tap for this fall are a redesigned full-size iPad, and a new iPad mini that is expected to feature a high-resolution Retina display. Cook has also promised that his company has surprises in the works, with new products set to launch throughout 2014.
A closer look at Cook was given in a new feature published by Reuters on Thursday, detailing how Apple has changed in the last two years under his watch. Cook took over in August of 2011 when Jobs was forced to resign because of declining health. The company co-founder died only a few months later.
While Jobs was legendary for his sometimes ruthless aggression, Cook has a much more calm demeanor that Apple itself has come to reflect. Among the more noteworthy changes, Apple has become more transparent about its overseas supply chain, while Cook has also instituted a charitable matching program for employees to donate up to $10,000.
Despite his reputation as a "nice guy," Cook and his "methodical, no-nonsense style" can be intimidating, the new profile reveals. The CEO will reportedly rock steadily in his chair while listening in a meeting. If the pace changes, that's when employees become concerned.
With just one sentence, Cook can make an employee feel like they "want to crawl in a hole and die," one person familiar with the CEO told Reuters.
Among the toughest decisions he has made was firing Scott Forstall, the company's previous head of iOS development. That decision came after the launch of iOS 6 and Apple's new Maps application in late 2012 ? a product so subpar that Cook felt compelled to issue an apology to customers, and even recommend alternative mapping applications.
The profile also revealed the effects of corporate change at Apple under Cook. The company's number of employees have grown exponentially, but there have also reportedly been a greater number of departures from Apple, with Silicon Valley recruiters indicating they see more resumes from Apple employees than ever before ? particularly from hardware engineers.
Cook visiting a Foxconn plant in China last year.
One recruiter signaled they are "being inundated" with inquiries from Apple workers they "never imagined" would leave the company, while some recent employees are looking to leave because they "joined expecting something different than they encountered."
However, others said that Apple has become a better place to work under Cook, as it is now less "crazy" and "draconian" than it was with Jobs as CEO.
Cook has been under scrutiny at times this year as his company's stock tumbled following the launch of the iPhone 5 in late 2012. Despite recent gains offsetting some of those losses, some observers have expressed concern about Apple's ability to innovate post-Jobs.
Contributing to those concerns was the fact that Apple did not launch any major product updates in the first half of 2013 ? an uncharacteristically long dry spell for the company that has seen explosive growth in the last decade. Apple's next blockbuster product launch is expected to take place on Sept. 10, when the company will reportedly unveil a new flagship iPhone, as well as a less expensive model with a plastic back.
Also on tap for this fall are a redesigned full-size iPad, and a new iPad mini that is expected to feature a high-resolution Retina display. Cook has also promised that his company has surprises in the works, with new products set to launch throughout 2014.
Comments
A junk food or SAD, Standard American Diet (high carbohydrate grains, legumes and starchy vegetables lead the pyramid) can be lacking in nutrients, especially as one ages, and could lead him down the trail that did Steve in if he is also so inclined to follow. Many just assume because of the food guide and media debate that animal products are bad and plant source foods are the better, healthy alternative.
Here is not the place to argue the superiority of Vegan versus Paleo diets. It's just that from pictures and videos he does look far older than most men his age.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tundraboy
This 'uncharacteristically dry spell' in Apple innovation is a crock.
I think the author meant no new models were released for the first half of this year. Apple historically releases new models throughout the year. However, I do believe there was a shift for a reason and I believe the full size iPad will be moved back to the Spring, leaving the iPad mini with a Fall release for the Holidays. I think they should do the same with the iPhone (if they plan on releasing a second model). This will allow them to have product releases that are more in line with how the rest of the industry works and will give them a constant stream of positive publicity.
This version is tame compared to the other versions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by leavingthebigG
It is interesting to read the slants that this article is generating on multiple websites!
This version is tame compared to the other versions.
Meaning what? Can you be a bit more specific?
The hedge funds know that Eric Schmidt and Larry page don't take crap and play dirty. It's plain to see the hedge funds look at Tim Cook and see a mild-mannered wuss. It's positively disgusting how Apple is treated as a stock. Apple hasn't put out a product in almost a year and take a look at Apple's market cap compared to Exxon, Google or Microsoft. It's way up there in lights with a relatively low P/E and yet the hedge funds are thinking Apple is a risky bet. Ridiculous. They'd rather put their money into Google.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tundraboy
If you look at Apple's history, the major innovations are spaced farther apart: Apple II 1977, Macintosh 1984, Newton 1993, iPod 2001, iPhone 2007.
I'd add the PowerBook (1991) to that list. But I agree with the overall point: it's generally 7-10 years between major innovations. Simply because, from inception to commercial product, it takes that long to get a new technology "right".
I want to know what he say's that makes you want to feel like you should crawl back into a hole and die. Can't be any worse than an old boss of mine.
I really can't understand why people say that Apple doesn't innovate anymore.
As another person mentioned here, it was very exceptional to have 2 revolutionary products within 3 years.
Apple would be foolish to release a new idea too early, even when that means loosing revenue for awhile.
The only thing that bothers me with Apple for the moment is that they release most of the their stuff in the second half of the year (Mac pro, iPads, iPhones, iOS, OSX). They should spread it over 3 periods in the year. With the group release, the excitement is gone for a specific Apple product.
It would have been a huge mistake for Apple to try to keep its "culture" the same without Steve Jobs at helm. He was a unique individual and he ran the company in a unique way. If Tim Cook had taken over the job with the attitude of trying to run it "Steve's way" it simply wouldn't have worked.
That being said, the jury is still out on Tim Cook. Apple Maps in iOS 6 was a warning sign. It was troubling that he was so disconnected from a major new feature of iOS that he did not know how bad it was. Or possibly he did know about it but simply didn't understand how bad it was.
It is also troubling what has been done with their desktop computer line. So much focus on mobile (iOS devices and laptops) because they seem to be outselling desktop hardware. Their take on why this is happening is that everyone wants mobile stuff. However, I think the more obvious reason is because their desktop line (Mini, iMac and Mac Pro) simply aren't compelling.
I have no doubt that Tim Cook is a talented/smart executive. It will be interesting to see what happens with Apple. But, if I was forced to place a bet on if he will be considered successful as Apple's CEO, I would bet "no."
-kpluck
When Tim took over after Steve died and people were saying that this is the end, I said "Don't be so negative and give him some time." That statement may be coming back to bite me.
Just as an example and not to sound like an angry nerd but integrated graphics in a pro notebook? Mr Cook, "That is not only not good enough. That is deplorable."
Apple won't go downhill though I believe much like the iconic Pink Floyd song, it will just become "another brick in the wall."
Mobile "seems" to be out selling the Macs? By and large Apple makes more money on iOS devices. The iMac was refreshed last year. Give me a break.
Luckily for you no one will take your bet. You'd lose everything.
I want to add that Apple hadn't been SEEN as innovating until it UNVEILED the iMac, iPod, the iPhone, the iPad, the MacBook Air, the new Pro, iOS 7, Mavericks.
Turns out they had been innovating all along.
Tim & co., release it when it's ready. I'm prepared to be amazed (whatever it is).
Quote:
Originally Posted by mhikl
I do hope Mr Cook keeps healthy. For fifty-two, he looks very thin, and has aging skin beyond his years. Steve experimented with his diet to his detriment and could it be that Tim has some interesting food peculiarities?
A junk food or SAD, Standard American Diet (high carbohydrate grains, legumes and starchy vegetables lead the pyramid) can be lacking in nutrients, especially as one ages, and could lead him down the trail that did Steve in if he is also so inclined to follow. Many just assume because of the food guide and media debate that animal products are bad and plant source foods are the better, healthy alternative.
Here is not the place to argue the superiority of Vegan versus Paleo diets. It's just that from pictures and videos he does look far older than most men his age.
I guess it depends on which version you listen to, this doctor (youtube) says Steve didn't die because of his food diet, he actually had cancer and symptoms since he was a young man. I don't want to spend too much time summarizing his talk (not that I could