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RBC: Apple CEO’s departure won’t scare customers

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 7:04PM EST
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Data from a survey released by RBC Capital Markets on Wednesday suggests that Apple customers’ buying intentions will not be impacted by Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ eventual departure from his role as chief executive. While pundits and analysts continue to panic over the possibility that the Apple chief may relinquish his role while on medical leave, RBC’s survey suggests customers aren’t quite as worried. 3,091 Apple customers responded to RBC’s survey between January 31st and February 9th, and 93% said they would continue buying Apple products once Jobs steps down. These results differ from data obtained from a similar survey conducted when Jobs took medical leave in 2008. At that time, 18% of respondents said they would be less likely to buy Apple’s wares. RBC suggests that the results indicate “Apple may be bigger than its CEO,” and that the company will continue to thrive in his absence. During Jobs’ last medical leave, Apple stock rose 144% and revenue rose 20%. RBC does note a potential long-term negative impact however, as Jobs is currently viewed as “Apple’s chief innovator, dealmaker, leader, motivator, and is deeply involved in minute decisions.”

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.