5 interesting things you don’t know about Apple CEO

While Steve Jobs still dominates conversations about Apple’s legacy, Tim Cook, the man who succeeded him, has quietly crafted his remarkable legacy. 

Since becoming CEO in 2011, Cook has taken Apple to unprecedented heights, both financially and culturally.

However, beyond the polished keynotes and quarterly earnings reports lies a leader with depth, discipline, and deeply held values.

Here are some fascinating facts that you might not know about Apple’s CEO.

From IBM to Apple

Before Cook became the head of the Cupertino-based tech company, his career path was grounded in operations and logistics. After earning an industrial engineering degree from Auburn University and an MBA from Duke, he spent 12 years at IBM, rising to director of North American fulfillment.

Later, he worked at Intelligent Electronics and briefly at Compaq, before being personally recruited to Apple by Steve Jobs in 1998.

Cook’s operational expertise helped streamline Apple’s supply chain, significantly cutting costs, a pivotal move that supported the company’s turnaround alongside Jobs’ design-led innovation.

Introducing values Jobs didn’t prioritise

Cook brought more than efficiency to Apple as he infused the company with a moral compass. Under his leadership, Apple began prioritising six key values, including accessibility, education, environment, inclusion and diversity, privacy and security, and supplier responsibility.

He’s also cracked down on supply chain abuses and made it clear that values will not be compromised for profit.

Early riser who never misses a beat

Cook is famous for his intense discipline. He starts his day around 3:45am, diving into hundreds of emails before hitting the gym and stopping for coffee. His protein-rich diet and tight daily routine reflect a military-like precision that mirrors his management style: lean, focused, and highly structured.

Unlike Jobs, who often kept a tight inner circle, Cook has been seen lunching with employees in the cafeteria and encourages openness in workplace culture.

Leading with humility

Cook plans to donate the majority of his wealth, estimated at over $100 million, to philanthropic causes. He also launched initiatives like Apple’s employee donation match programme and supports medical research, including funding for multiple sclerosis, a disease he was once misdiagnosed with.

Passionate sports fan

Though Cook leads one of the most powerful companies on the planet, he never lost touch with his roots. He’s a diehard fan of Auburn football and Duke basketball, often seen cheering on his teams or referencing scores in product demos.

He’s also a strong believer in sustainability and clean energy, even hiring former EPA chief Lisa Jackson to oversee Apple’s environmental initiatives.