Tim Cook: Apple Won't Change

Tim Cook wasted no time today reassuring Apple workers that they were in good hands. In a letter to employees acquired by Ars Technica, Cook noted that the departing Steve Jobs had been his “leader and mentor” for 13 years, and would still be involved. “I want you to be confident that Apple is not going to change,” he wrote. “I cherish and celebrate Apple’s unique principles and values.”

So just who is this Tim Cook guy? Well, he’s spent plenty of time filling in for Jobs already, and this year topped Out Magazine’s list of the most powerful gay people. According to this Gawker profile he’s known for his “voracious” work habits, and a “courtly demeanor” that hides an ability to handily dress-down subordinates. He’s been a master at fixing Apple’s supply chain, but he’s got two big weaknesses: He’s not known as a product visionary, and he’s not a great public speaker. Click here and here for our past pieces on him. (More Tim Cook stories.)