Is Tim Cook The Next Steve Ballmer?

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By Austin Smith Published
Is Tim Cook The Next Steve Ballmer?

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Is it time for Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down? Microsoft’s leadership transition after Ballmer revitalized the company, and Apple may be ready for the same jolt of electricity. Is the company ready for a potentially younger leader, who might better navigate Apple’s current challenges?

TRANSCRIPT:

But if you’re thinking the way Warren Buffett thinks, is it time for Tim Cook to go?
Has he been there long enough?
Listen, the guy’s had a great run, but it looks to me like
It may be that during his tenure, there’s not a lot he can do to make this better.
Well, it’s like the Microsoft transition, sort of, you know, because, you know, Gates went to Ballmer, but then Ballmer left and somebody else came in who really changed Microsoft and turned it around.
And, you know, Cook was ostensibly the right-hand man of Steve Jobs.
So, yeah, I think you’re right.
A younger… person, male or female, that could be in charge could be in the offing.

Photo of Austin Smith, PhD, MD, CFA
About the Author Austin Smith, PhD, MD, CFA →

Austin Smith is a financial publisher with over two decades of experience as an investor, analyst, and advisor. He covers stocks, ETFs, Artificial intelligence and personal finance for 24/7 Wall St. Previously, he spent over a decade at The Motley Fool as a senior editor for Fool.com, portfolio advisor for Millionacres, and launched The Ascent to help reader take control of their personal finances.

His work has been featured on Fool.com, NPR, CNBC, USA Today, Yahoo Finance, MSN, AOL, Marketwatch, and many other publications. He is as an advisor to private companies, and co-hosts The AI Investor Podcast with Eric Bleeker. 

When not looking for investment opportunities, he can be found skiing, running, or playing soccer with his children. Learn more about Austin's investment approach here.

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