Mike Markkula

Mike Markkula (born February 11, 1942) is an American entrepreneur and investor who is widely recognized as an instrumental figure in the development of Apple Computer Inc. He was the second CEO of Apple from 1981 to 1983, succeeding Steve Jobs and preceding John Sculley.

Early Life and Education

Markkula was born in Los Angeles, California. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Southern California in 1964.

Career

Markkula started his career at Fairchild Semiconductor, where he worked as a marketing manager. He later joined Intel as a marketing executive and was one of the earliest employees. He retired from Intel at the age of 32 after making a significant amount of money from stock options.

In 1976, Markkula invested $250,000 in Apple Computer Inc., which was then a fledgling company started by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. He also provided crucial business expertise, serving as a mentor to the young founders and helping to guide the company's early development. He served as the company's president and chairman before becoming CEO in 1981.

During his tenure as CEO, Markkula oversaw the launch of the Apple Lisa and the Apple Macintosh, two of the company's most iconic products. He stepped down as CEO in 1983 but continued to serve on Apple's board of directors until 1997.

Personal Life

Markkula is married to Linda Markkula. They have two children and reside in California. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the field of education.

Legacy

Markkula's contributions to Apple and the broader tech industry have been widely recognized. He is often credited with providing the business acumen and leadership that helped transform Apple from a start-up into a major global corporation.

See Also

• History of Apple Inc.
• Silicon Valley