Why it worked
The post leverages high-interest public figures and financial curiosity to drive engagement, using a clean, easy-to-read infographic style that encourages users to comment on their preferred 'era' of leadership.
Summary
This post provides a historical comparison of the annual salaries and equity awards for Apple CEOs Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, and John Ternus. It highlights the difference between base salary and total compensation for these executives.
Structure
- 1Title slide introducing the topic of Apple CEO compensation.
- 2Breakdown of Steve Jobs' $1 salary era.
- 3Breakdown of Tim Cook's compensation package.
- 4Breakdown of John Ternus' compensation package.
- 5Summary note on total compensation and call to action for comments.
Product placement
Apple (the company) appears as a logo and the subject of the historical pay analysis. It does not act; it is the entity being discussed. none.
Call to action
Comment below!
On-screen text
Apple CEO Pay
HOW MUCH DO APPLE'S CEOS MAKE?
Steve Jobs
1997 - 2011
Annual Salary
$1
Jobs took a $1 annual salary during his later years as CEO. His wealth came from Apple stock.
Tim Cook
2011 - 2026
Annual Salary
$2M
Equity Award (FY2027 Target)
$45M
Tim Cook's salary is $2 million per year, plus a target equity award of $45 million. Total compensation is much higher when including stock awards.
John Ternus
2026 - Present
NEW ERA
Annual Salary
$3M
Equity Award (FY2027 Target)
$55M
John Ternus' salary is $3 million per year, plus a target equity award of $55 million. A new chapter for Apple begins.
SALARY ≠ TOTAL COMPENSATION
For Apple executives, stock awards make up a much larger part of pay.
WHICH ERA DO YOU CHOOSE?
Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, or John Ternus? Comment below!