Low-Key Jobs Stand-In Known for Steady Hand

Cook expected to keep Apple on solid course during CEO's absence

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 15, 2009 2:43 AM CST

(Newser) – Steve Jobs' decision to take medical leave was no surprise to Apple-watchers, and neither is his choice of a replacement. Chief operating officer Tim Cook is a little-known name outside Silicon Valley, but his efficient, low-key approach and symbiotic relationship with Jobs over the last decade has helped transform Apple into the powerhouse it is today, analysts tell the Wall Street Journal.

The second-in-command "isn't Steve Jobs and has never tried to be Steve Jobs," but he will be able to use his own team "very effectively" during Jobs' five-month absence, said a recruiter who helped bring Cook to Apple in 1998. "Shareholders have nothing to worry about," he added. Cook previously took the helm at Apple in 2004 while Jobs recuperated from cancer surgery.

Apple's chief operating officer, Tim Cook, CEO Steve Jobs, and vice president Phil Schiller talk at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., last year. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Apple's chief operating officer, Tim Cook, talks about Mac earlier this year. (AP Photo/Apple )

Apple CEO Tim Cook gestures during a meeting at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., last year. Cook will take over CEO Steve Jobs' responsibilities while Jobs is on medical leave. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Steve Jobs • Apple • pancreatic cancer • Tim Cook

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

You Should Buy Apple Stock

Farhad Manjoo thinks Apple still has nowhere to go but up

Apple Asks Outside Group to Inspect Plants

FLA to audit working conditions at Apple suppliers

iPad 3 to Be Unveiled March 7

New tablet to come in 4G LTE version

Google Gets Europe's OK to Buy Motorola

But regulators in EU, United States will monitor for antitrust

Apple Can Bring Those Jobs Back

Like BMW and Boeing, Apple can afford to have US manufacturing jobs

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?