I think your Apple example is helping to disprove your point. > I would argue if you replace the current CEO of apple with a random apple SW engineer, the comp

I think your Apple example is helping to disprove your point. > I would argue if you replace the current CEO of apple with a random apple SW engineer, the company wouldn't change much. That's exactly what happened in the 80's - they forced Steve Jobs out, and the company lost all their market share and was on the verge on dying, before he came back. > Steve jobs died, Apple stock has gone up since his death. By that time, Steve Jobs knew he was going to die and picked his successor very carefully - Tim Cook is definitely a great choice. Some would argue, however, that Apple is still thriving because of Steve's ideas, and as soon as they run out of them, Apple will start to decline. The jury is still out on that one, however.