Tim Cook (left) and Warren Buffett at Apple Park — image credit: Apple
Tim Cook of Apple has expressed admiration for investor Warren Buffett, who recently announced his retirement after 60 years of leading Berkshire Hathaway.
Steve Jobs was known for his skepticism toward anyone who wasn’t a “product person,” and even included Tim Cook in that group. However, both Jobs and Cook attribute their understanding of business to Buffett, who never created a product himself but became wealthy by investing in those who did.
There’s never been someone like Warren, and countless people, myself included, have been inspired by his wisdom. It’s been one of the great privileges of my life to know him. And there’s no doubt that Warren is leaving Berkshire in great hands with Greg. pic.twitter.com/7p5zXtq5hP
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 3, 2025
On May 3, 2025, Buffett shocked Berkshire Hathaway shareholders by announcing his resignation as CEO. As reported by CNBC, one shareholder expressed being “stunned” by the news.
While some argued that the announcement came as a surprise, it is important to note that Buffett is now 94 years old. He isn’t retiring completely; instead, he will remain as chairman after stepping down as CEO.
Greg Abel, currently the vice chairman, is set to assume the roles of CEO and president starting in 2026. In his tribute tweet to Buffett, Tim Cook also took the opportunity to commend Abel.
Buffett has been gradually selling off Berkshire Hathaway’s shares in Apple, although he once acknowledged that one particular sale might have been a “mistake.”
He has consistently celebrated both Apple and Tim Cook, whom he refers to as a “fantastic manager.”
Following the announcement, Berkshire Hathaway’s stock, valued at around $1.2 trillion, dropped by 2%.