1. Brain Drain

One of Cook’s problems faced was whether or not he could retain the talent in post-Jobs Apple. He has seen a number of senior executives and vice-presidents leave during the time Jobs took his final medical leave. Right from the resignations of retail chief Ron Johnson, Mac software vice-president Bertrand Serlet, and vice-president of mobile advertising for iAd Andy Miller.

2. Tough Act to Follow and Impossible Expectations?

There were a lot of expectations from Cook, after Jobs' death. And Cook handled it well. He picked up the company and forged his own way. He's made enough of a name for himself to claim his stake to the Apple fortune.

3. Keeping the Edge

Cook has well kept the product lines running and also worked to make the company's image different. From investor dividends to matching charitable donations, these things put Apple in the par category with most other companies. Also under his leadership, Apple won the latest patent war against Samsung.