Apple announced that longtime CEO Tim Cook will retire on Sept. 1,2024, passing the role to hardware chief John Ternus.. At the same time, Boeing named former Rockwell Collins leader Robert “Kelly” Ortberg as its chief executive, a move aimed at stabilising the aerospace giant after a series of regulatory and financial setbacks.

Tim Cook’s exit and the $3.6 trillion market surge

During Cook’s 15‑year tenure, Apple’s market value grew by more than $3.6 trillion, driven largely by iPhone sales, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity. the official noted that Cook’s diplomatic skill helped Apple navigate the Trump‑era trade wars, securing exemptions for iPhones from the first‑term tariffs.

When former President Donald Trump re‑imposed duties on certain Apple products, Cook shifted production to India and promised a $600 billion U.S. investment, which reportedly softened the new tariffs. The official said these moves illustrate how Apple’s supply‑chain decisions are now tightly linked to U.S. trade policy.

New security rules tighten Nvidia’s AI chip sales to China

In January, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security introduced tighter export controls on Nvidia’s H200 AI chips, reqiuring a third‑party review and limiting military use. the rules, however, lower the overall export bar, allowing continued sales to Chinese customers under strict conditions, the source reported .

Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s founder and CEO, confirmed at the Milken Institute Global Conference that the company will comply with the new review process while ensuring sufficient domestic supply, a statement echoed by the White House official.

Robert “Kelly” Ortberg takes the helm at Boeing amid Chinese tariffs

Robert “Kelly” Ortberg, who previously led Rockwell Collins, became Boeing’s CEO in 2024, tasked with steering the company through legal, regulatory and production challenges.. ortberg’s focus, the source said, includes meeting delivery targets for Chinese airlines that have been reluctant to accept Boeing jets.

Beijing recently raised its import tax on Boeing passenger jets, more than doubling the cost of each aircraft. While this tax threatens Boeing’s sales, the source noted that China is now sending fewer finished planes to the U.S., slightly easing the pressure on the aerospace maker.

Who will fill the gap in Apple’s political lobbying?

The departure of Cook raises questions about Apple’s future influence on U.S. trade policy, especially as the company faces renewed scrutiny over its supply chain and data practices.. The White House official did not comment on who might replace Cook in those diplomatic efforts.

Open questions about Boeing’s recovery roadmap

Analysts still wonder how Ortberg will address Boeing’s lingering financial woes and whether the company can regain Chinese market share despite the higher import tax. The source did not provide details on any new negotiations with Beijing.