Tim Cook Emerges As A Top Leader At Apple (AAPL)

As Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) Steve Jobs took his leave of absence, Tim Cook became the face and star of Apple. Some say Cook's presence at Apple is more important than even Jobs.

"At this point, losing Tim Cook would be a bigger deal to investors than if Steve Jobs stepped aside," says Gene Munster, an analyst for Piper Jaffray. "Just that thought makes my stomach tighten up."

Other tech companies like Motorola (NYSE: MOT) and Dell (Nasdaq: DELL) have gone after Apple's COO, Tim Cook in the past, but Apple has laid out the red carpet to keep Tim Cook happy. Additionally, Apple may name Tim Cook to AAPL's board later this year.

The Wall Street Journal said Cook's leadership is notable for how life continued as normal at Apple without Jobs.

"Now it's clear that Tim Cook can run any technology-based company," says Stephen Mader, a co-head of the CEO practice at recruiters Korn/Ferry International. "He's a more attractive CEO candidate both inside Apple and outside."

One tech-industry recruiter told the WSJ that Tim has been taking on more CEO responsibilities, such as negotiations with AT&T (NYSE: T), the exclusive U.S. carrier for Apple's iPhone.

Apple has now turned to Cook twice to oversee Apple. Mr. Cook led Apple for two months in 2004 when Steve was recuperating from surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his pancreas.

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