Apple has intensified its succession planning amid indications that Tim Cook may step down as CEO as early as next year. John Ternus, the company’s senior vice-president of hardware engineering, has emerged as the leading contender to succeed Cook, according to several people familiar with internal discussions cited by the Financial Times .

Apple steps up succession planning

Sources told the FT that Apple’s board and senior executives have recently intensified preparations for Cook to hand over the reins at the USD 4 trillion company after more than 14 years at the helm.

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The company is reportedly unlikely to reveal a new CEO before its next earnings report in late January, which will cover the crucial holiday quarter.

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