BackBUSINESS
CEO exits surge in 2026: From OpenAI to Apple, here's a list of resignations you should know about
The article outlines a wave of top leadership changes across major companies, signaling a broader generational shift. It notes OpenAI's Srinivas Narayanan's April 18, 2026 departure, Netflix founder Reed Hastings' ongoing board transition, and upcoming leadership changes at Apple and Air India later in 2026.
Why It Matters
The exits suggest a corporate leadership reset as firms prepare for growth and disruption under new generations of leaders.
Timeline
5 Events
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO on September 1, 2026
April 21, 2026
Tim Cook will step down as Apple CEO on September 1, 2026, transitioning to executive chairman; leadership will pass to hardware chief John Ternus.
Campbell Wilson to step down as Air India CEO in September 2026
April 21, 2026
Campbell Wilson will step down from his role as Air India CEO in September 2026; he will remain until a successor is appointed to ensure continuity.
Reed Hastings to exit Netflix board as term ends
April 21, 2026
Hastings' Netflix board term ends in June 2026, and he will not seek re-election to the board.
Srinivas Narayanan departs OpenAI as CTO for B2B applications
April 18, 2026
Srinivas Narayanan announced his departure from OpenAI as CTO for B2B applications on April 18, 2026. He described his three-year stint as incredible but chose to step down to spend time with his ageing parents in India.
Reed Hastings steps down as Netflix co-CEO to become executive chairman
2023
In 2023, Reed Hastings stepped down as Netflix's co-CEO to become executive chairman.