Tim Cook is 64 years old. His major equity grants vest through 2025. The conventional wisdom is that he will transition out between 2025 and 2027 — the exact window when AI market positions will solidify.
Cook’s Timeline Indicators
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Age | 64 years old |
| Tenure | 14 years as CEO |
| Equity Vesting | Major grants through 2025 |
| Historical Pattern | Long-tenured tech CEOs transition 60s |
The AI Window
The same 2025-2027 period represents the critical window for AI strategy:
- AI assistants reaching mainstream adoption
- Enterprise AI platforms consolidating
- Device AI integration becoming table stakes
- Market positions becoming difficult to change
The Collision
The next CEO will have approximately 18-24 months to course-correct before market positions become essentially permanent. There is no time for a listening tour, no luxury of gradual cultural change.
This analysis is part of a comprehensive report. Read the full analysis: Apple’s Post-Tim Cook AI Challenge on The Business Engineer.
