Ternus Takes Over as Apple CEO: A Wealth Gap of Epic Proportions

Apple's leadership change has sparked curiosity about the personal fortunes of its new and former CEOs. John Ternus took over as CEO on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook, who has moved into the role of executive chairman.

According to Forbes estimates, Cook's net worth stands at around $3 billion, while media estimates put Ternus' wealth in the $75 million-$100 million range. The gap is significant, with Cook's fortune being roughly 30 times larger.

Cook accumulated his wealth through Apple stock, executive compensation, and long-term equity awards during his 15-year tenure as CEO. He owns over three million Apple shares and has sold around $1 billion worth of shares over the years.

Ternus, on the other hand, joined Apple's product design team in 2001 and rose through the ranks to become senior vice president of hardware engineering in 2021. As CEO, his target compensation for fiscal 2027 is set at $58 million, including a $3 million salary and a $55 million annual equity award.