Tim Cook and Steve Jobs: Is Apple CEO Tim Cook Easier to Deal with than Steve Jobs?

Tim Cook and Steve Jobs: There is no denying the fact that most people truly enjoyed working with former Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Steve Jobs. After all, he is responsible for what the tech company has become.

Apple is actually the smart money’s second favorite publicly traded company (see why it’s important to pay attention to hedge fund activity).

With all this in mind, there are people out there who feel that the Cupertino-based company is easier to get along with now that Jobs is gone and Tim Cook has taken over.

A story by CNBC touches on this in greater detail. More specifically, it talks about recent comments by France Telecom-Orange CEO Stephane Richard regarding his dealings with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) over the years.

Here is what Richard had to say, as quoted in the piece:

“Apple has [become] more flexible, paying more attention to everyone else, probably a little less arrogant than they used to be.”

While everybody is entitled to his or her own opinion, it will be interesting to see how people react to Richard’s choice of words. Referring to the company as “arrogant” under the leadership of Jobs may not go over well with a lot of people.

He also went on to discuss the fact that the company is more “lenient in dealing with partner carriers” by adding the following:

“I think they are probably a little more under pressure, and it is quite nice.”

Of course, it is important to take a look at both sides of the argument. Nobody can deny the fact that Jobs was seen as somebody with an “uncompromising nature.” This is in stark contrast to Cook who comes across as more friendly.

The article also goes on to add the following quote from Richard, regarding regulations in general:

“Regulation in the past 15 years has led towards a single purpose, which is to provide a short-term benefit for the consumer. That’s it. Today, this continent realizes that the industry is weak, that the main operators are in weak positions, the markets don’t like them, and they are still indebted.”

What do you think about these comments concerning Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) by France Telecom-Orange CEO Stephane Richard? Do you agree with his assessment? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Check back here for more updates on Tim Cook and Steve Jobs.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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