Tim Cook: Rising Star at Apple

From the Wall Street Journal – via Google News to get around the WSJ’s stupid pay wall:

“At this point, losing Tim Cook would be a bigger deal to investors than if Steve Jobs stepped aside,” says Gene Munster, an analyst for Piper Jaffray. “Just that thought makes my stomach tighten up.”

[...]

“Now it’s clear that Tim Cook can run any technology-based company,” says Stephen Mader, a co-head of the CEO practice at recruiters Korn/Ferry International. “He’s a more attractive CEO candidate both inside Apple and outside.”

Under Mr. Cook’s leadership, Apple’s stock has risen about 60% since mid-January, compared with an 18% increase in the Nasdaq Composite Index. Shares closed at $137.37, down $2.11, on Monday. In April, Apple also reported a 15% increase in quarterly profit as consumers continued to buy its iPods and iPhones.

Several people who do business with Apple say their dealings with the company have remained unchanged in recent months and that products continue to be developed and released on schedule. One tech-industry recruiter said Mr. Cook has been taking on more CEO responsibilities, such as negotiations with AT&T Inc., the exclusive U.S. carrier for Apple’s popular iPhone.

I’d be shocked if someone other than Cook is named Jobs’ successor.