Brandon Fletcher
A Heartfelt Message to the Apple Community:
For the last 15 years, my mornings have begun with a familiar routine. Each day, I open my email to read heartfelt notes sent by Apple users from all corners of the globe. These messages serve as a window into your lives, revealing how Apple products have positively impacted you and your experiences.
You share meaningful moments with me, detailing how your Apple Watch played a crucial role in saving your mom’s life or how you captured the perfect selfie atop a seemingly insurmountable mountain. Your gratitude for how Mac has transformed your work life resonates deeply, and I also hear your frustrations about areas where our products do not meet your expectations. Your honesty and openness inspire me to strive for continuous improvement.
Each email I receive allows me to connect with the essence of our shared humanity. It deepens my commitment to work harder and innovate further. Above all, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude that is difficult to articulate. It is an incredible honor to be the person on the receiving end of those emails, leading a company that sparks creativity and enriches lives in ways that are hard to define. This role is a privilege I cherish immensely.
Today, I am excited to share that I am embarking on a new chapter in my journey at Apple. Over the upcoming months, I will transition into a new role, stepping down from my position as CEO in September and taking on the responsibilities of Apple’s executive chairman. I am thrilled to introduce John Ternus, a brilliant engineer and visionary who has dedicated the last 25 years to crafting the Apple products our users hold dear. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering focus on enhancing every aspect of our offerings make him the ideal choice for this pivotal role.
John embodies the core values of Apple and genuinely cares about our identity, mission, and the diverse audience we serve. His deep integrity and strong character position him as a leader who will guide us with exceptional vision and purpose. I am immensely proud to hand over the reins to him as Apple’s next CEO. Under his guidance, I am confident that we will reach remarkable new heights, and you will experience his influence in every innovative product and service that emerges. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity for you to connect with him as I have.
This is not a farewell. During this moment of transition, I want to take the opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks. This gratitude comes not merely from the company, though there is an abundance of appreciation that resonates within our walls. Instead, it is a personal message from me, Tim. A person who grew up in a rural area during a different era and has had the extraordinary chance to lead the greatest company in the world. Thank you for the unwavering support and kindness you have shown me. Thank you for saying hello on the street and in our stores. Thank you for celebrating with me during our product launches. Most importantly, thank you for believing in my ability to lead a company that has always prioritized you. Each day, we aim to enhance your life, and in return, you have made mine profoundly rewarding.
Thank you.
Daniel Mercer
