Here’s how much Apple is paying John Ternus as CEO, Tim Cook as executive chairman

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-01T22:11:40.722Z • Permanent link

Apple's latest regulatory filing has shed light on the compensation packages of two of its high-profile executives: new CEO John Ternus and executive chairman Tim Cook. According to the filing, Ternus will receive a salary of $58 million, accompanied by target stock awards that could significantly boost his total compensation. The exact value of these awards is not disclosed, but the total package is a substantial one, reflecting the high expectations placed on the new CEO.

Ternus, a veteran of the tech industry, took over as CEO of Apple in November 2022, following the departure of Tim Cook. Prior to his appointment, Ternus served as Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, overseeing the development of the company's products. His background in hardware engineering and leadership experience are seen as key assets in driving Apple's innovation agenda. Cook, on the other hand, has been instrumental in shaping Apple's strategic direction and has been instrumental in driving the company's growth and profitability.

The compensation packages of Ternus and Cook are also seen as a reflection of Apple's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent. The company has faced increasing competition in recent years, particularly from rival tech giants such as Amazon and Google, and has been working to strengthen its leadership team to stay ahead of the curve. Apple's success in the past decade, driven in part by the popularity of its iPhone and Mac products, has also led to a significant increase in the company's market value, providing a substantial backdrop for the compensation packages of its executives.

The compensation packages of Ternus and Cook have significant implications for the Global Infrastructure domain, where Apple is a major player. The company's hardware business, in particular, is critical to its operations and revenue streams, and Ternus's leadership in this area will be crucial in driving innovation and growth. The impact of this on the broader tech industry is also worth noting, as Apple's success is often seen as a benchmark for other companies to follow.

The high compensation packages of Ternus and Cook also raise questions about the value placed on leadership in the tech industry. As the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected, companies are recognizing the importance of strong leadership in driving innovation and growth. Apple's approach to executive compensation reflects this trend, with a focus on attracting and retaining top talent to drive the company's long-term success. For companies in the Global Infrastructure domain, this trend is likely to have significant implications for their own executive compensation packages and leadership strategies.

The compensation packages of Ternus and Cook are also part of a broader pattern in the tech industry. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in executive compensation across the industry, driven in part by the growing importance of technology in the global economy. This trend is also reflected in the increasing value placed on leadership in the tech industry, with companies recognizing the importance of strong leadership in driving innovation and growth.