Apple Board of Directors shuffle sees Al Gore & James Bell retire

Apple's board of directors has been filled with some of the most prominent names in business and culture in recent history. As a rule of thumb, board members must retire at age 75, which has led to the latest departures.

Former Vice President Al Gore and former CFO and Corporate President of The Boeing Company James Bell are not eligible for re-election to Apple's board of directors in 2024. However, with their departure comes a new arrival in former president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation Dr. Wanda Austin.

"Like Apple, I've always believed in the power of innovation to improve lives, support human potential, and shape a better future," said Dr. Austin. "I'm honored to join Apple's board of directors, and I look forward to being part of a company that's always creating new ways to empower people all over the world."

Dr. Austin is known for leading The Aerospace Corporation in dedication to supporting the U.S. space program and expanding opportunities for future exploration. She was the first woman and first African American to hold the position.

"We're deeply grateful to Al and James for their many years of service to Apple — their insights, energy, and values have made us a stronger company in so many ways," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. "For more than 20 years, Al has contributed an incredible amount to our work — from his unconditional support for protecting our users' privacy, to his incomparable knowledge of environment and climate issues. James's dedication has been extraordinary, and we're thankful for the important perspectives and deep expertise he's offered on audit, finance, and so much more over the years."

Al Gore has served on Apple's board since 2003, and James Bell since 2015.

Apple celebrates adding another great mind to its board. Dr. Austin's accomplishments extend beyond her tenure at The Aerospace Corporation, including acting as a leading advocate for STEM education.

She served on the board of Amgen and serves on the board of Chevron, where she is the lead independent director. She also served on the board of Virginia Galactic from 2019 until 2023.

Arthur D. Levinson still serves as the Chairman of the Board. Alex Gorsky, Andrea Jung, Monica Lozano, Ronald Sugar, and Susan Wagner remain on the board.