Apple hits its Game of Thrones era

"Even if that is not the case, some of Apple's leaders may choose to depart before Cook leaves, with his departure hastening that decision, particularly for those who would not choose to serve alongside whoever is on the Super-Secret Top List of potential replacements. Apple is said to be focused on hires from inside the company, but there will be external candidates who could bring what is required to the role."

"Former Jamf CEO Dean Hager has a good combination of tech insight and storytelling ability, and I'm sure there are other leaders who may have deep backgrounds in the Apple ecosystem to think about. There should also be more talent beneath the visibility line at the company, given its size. That means that each departing senior leader should, by rights, already have developed a pool of potential replacements, as that's what good management entails. Look at almost any recruitment and development self-help guide"

Several senior Apple leaders could choose to leave before Cook's eventual departure, and his exit could accelerate those decisions for some executives. Apple appears to prefer internal hires for the top role, but outside candidates could offer complementary skills. Dean Hager is mentioned as an example of an external leader with relevant tech insight and storytelling ability. The company likely has additional talent below public visibility due to its size. Effective senior leaders should already cultivate successor pools, since training replacements is a core element of good management and recruitment practice.

Read at Computerworld