The world might have recovered a bit from the recent news of Steve Job's resignation from Apple Inc. As Chief Executive Officer. It's a good time to focus on the man who will be filling his shoes, Apple's former Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook.

Jobs himself recommended Cook as his replacement in his brief letter of resignation, posted in the Apple website on August 24, 2011. Cook has been taking over the computer company's day-to-day operations since Jobs had to take a medical leave of absence in the beginning of this year.

Getting to Know Cook

Tim Cook grew up in Robertsdale, Alabama. He studied at Auburn University, finishing with a degree in Industrial Engineering in the 1980s. He was a Fuqua Scholar, and earned his M.B.A. from Duke University. He became the Vice President of corporate materials for Compaq, and was in-charge of procuring and managing Compaq's product inventory. Tim was the chief operating officer of the Reseller Division at Intelligent Electronics. He also worked as director of North American Fulfillment in IBM's Personal Computer Company in North and Latin America. He was with IBM for 12 years.

Cook joined Apple Inc. In 1998. Tim became Apple's Chief Operating Officer in 2005, and was responsible for the company's worldwide sales and operations. "His duties included the management of Apple's supply chain, sales activities, and service and support in all markets and countries. He also headed Apple's Macintosh division and played a key role in the continued development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace," according to the Apple website.

In 2004, Cook already filled in for Jobs when the latter was recovering from a surgery that removed the a cancer tumor from his pancreas. Once again in 2009, Cook played the role of CEO when Jobs took a medical leave.

"It's difficult to know much about Cook, as he is an extremely private person. However, interviews show he is an intensely driven and demanding executive," a smartcompany report stated.

A widely circulating anecdote from a Fortune article illustrates the no-nonsense attitude of the man.

The story "references a meeting where Cook declared that someone should visit China to address supply issues. A few minutes later, he turned to a deputy and asked, "Why are you still here?" The deputy drove immediately to San Francisco airport without a change of clothes."

The report also states that Cook is ruthless with detail and has a keen eye for supply, management and inventory. On the lighter side, Cook is known as a lover of the outdoors, a bike rider and loves to exercise. With $130 million worth of shares, he is one of the wealthiest men alive.

After Job's resignation, Apple's shares decreased 5.6 percent, and Cook has his work cut out for him as he takes the role of CEO and board member.

"While this marks the end of an era for Apple, it's important to remember the there's more to Apple than any one person, even Steve Jobs," said Michael Gartenberg, research director at Gartner.