Apple on Monday announced that Tim Cook will step down as the tech giant¡¯s chief executive officer in September, handing the top job to company veteran John Ternus.

The announcement answers long-simmering questions about a successor for 65-year-old Cook, who said he will become executive chairman of the board when he cedes Apple¡¯s CEO position.

¡°It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company,¡° Cook said in a statement.