Transformations Ahead for Apple’s Board: Leadership Changes Loom
Art Levinson, a key member of Apple’s board. Image credit: Apple
Major shifts are on the horizon for Apple’s board of directors within the next year, as two members will reach or surpass the age threshold of 75 recommended for retirement.
Currently serving as chairperson, Art Levinson is approaching his 75th birthday in March 2025; this milestone typically indicates it’s time to consider stepping down from his position. His departure could potentially be announced as early as February during Apple’s annual shareholder assembly.
Reports suggest that Levinson might choose to retire later this year or early in 2026, marking him as the second high-profile member likely exiting soon, according to Bloomberg reports. A prominent figure in biotechnology, he previously led Genentech and now serves at Alphabet’s Calico Life Sciences.
Potential Successors and Strategic Moves
This scenario paves the way for Apple CEO Tim Cook to ascend to the chairman role when Levinson departs. Currently 64 years old, Cook may decide to transition into this leadership position by 2026 as he contemplates his own retirement plans.
Alternatively, Cook might appoint a current director or another new board member to step into the chairman role following Levinson’s exit. Having been part of Apple’s board since 2010, Levinson also maintains positions on boards with Uber and Chevron.
A Special Case of Board Age Rules
Interestingly, despite company policies regarding age limits on directors, one existing member exceeds this guideline. Ronald Sugar—76 years old and formerly leading Northrop Grumman—received an exemption last March due largely to his profound understanding of Apple’s operations that CEO Tim Cook highly values.
It appears likely that Sugar’s exemption will come under review soon given its temporary nature. Should Cook decide not to take on both roles concurrently—as CEO and chairman—it would trigger an international search for two new members.
The Trend Among Industry Leaders
If Cook were indeed to assume both responsibilities within Apple—a trend seen among numerous tech leaders—it would not be unprecedented. CEOs such as Mark Zuckerberg at Meta and Satya Nadella at Microsoft also hold titles as their firms’ chairpersons today.
Similarly distinctive was Jeff Bezos’ choice post-retirement from CEO duties; he took up chairmanship at Amazon’s board afterward. Given Tim Cook’s extensive tenure with Apple since joining in 1998—and being appointed CEO by co-founder Steve Jobs shortly before Jobs passed away—it stands plausible that he could pursue a similar path in managing dual roles going forward.