Is Tim Cook At Risk At Apple?

Is Apple CEO Tim Cook in jeopardy of losing his job?  Some tech experts think the writing may already be on the wall.

Cook will have been CEO of Apple for 2 years this month, after the surprise death of the iconic face of Apple, Steve Jobs.  Jobs was a veritable “magic man” who could sell veal to a vegetarian, whereas Cook is more of a manager.  But therein lies the problem.

According to Fox Business News, Apple’s Board of Directors (which includes former Vice-President Al Gore) are growing increasingly concerned with the direction of the company.  They don’t see “Jobs-like” innovation or must-have tech items in development as in previous years.  Under Cook, Apple has only released a newer iPad and the iPhone 5, both of which were simply updates to already existing products and were reportedly created by Steve Jobs prior to his death.  Apple’s operating system (iOS) is also due for an aesthetic overhaul this fall at Cook’s direction, but that’s about it.

With Cook at the helm, Apple is not leading the field with innovative new products.  In fact, some argue Apple has even become a “me too” follower.  Or in other words, Cook’s lack of innovation is costing Apple dollars.  Apple stock has dropped 35% and with no new tech toys seemingly in the pipeline, the board is getting antsy.

Tim Cook was hand picked by Steve Jobs to be his successor, having served as interim CEO of the company while Jobs was recovering from pancreatic cancer surgery. Jobs reportedly taught Cook everything he knows, but Jobs could not teach Cook the art of creativity, charisma and salesmanship.

Cook swears Apple has some new and exciting products coming soon, including the iWatch (hmmm). Unless Cook can deliver on his promises, he could soon find himself replaced by a fresh and innovative new tech leader.