Kevan Parekh: The Visionary CFO Powering Apple Inc.

Kevan Parekh: Leading Apple’s Financial Transformation with Vision and Grit

In the world of global business, where only a few leaders leave an enduring imprint, Kevan Parekh stands tall as a beacon of determination, intellect, and transformation. Born in 1972 to an Indian American family, Parekh’s journey from a young engineering graduate to becoming the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Apple Inc. in January 2025 is a remarkable testament to what relentless passion, cross-disciplinary brilliance, and visionary thinking can achieve.

Today, as the senior vice president and CFO of Apple, reporting directly to Tim Cook, Parekh commands a portfolio that oversees Apple’s accounting, treasury, investor relations, internal audit, tax functions, and strategic financial planning. But his story is not merely about numbers — it is about resilience, reinvention, and redefining what leadership means in the digital age.

Early Life and Education of Kevan Parekh — Building Blocks of Brilliance

Kevan Parekh’s foundation was built on curiosity and hard work. Growing up in a close-knit Indian American family, he learned early the value of discipline and education. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Michigan, sharpening his analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Hungry to blend technical expertise with business acumen, Parekh pursued an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business, one of the world’s most prestigious business schools. This dual background in engineering and business became his secret weapon — enabling him to think like an innovator and act like a strategist.

Early Career — Forging Global Financial Expertise

Before joining Apple, Kevan honed his skills at two of the world’s corporate giants. At General Motors, he served in pivotal roles including Director of Business Development and Regional Treasurer in Europe, navigating complex international markets and shaping large-scale financial strategies.

He later joined Thomson Reuters, where he rose to become Vice President of Finance for the professional division and Corporate Treasurer, spearheading financial operations across Europe and Asia. These years molded him into a leader who could manage large teams, drive cross-border financial growth, and stay composed under immense pressure.

Kevan Parekh: Journey at Apple — From Strategist to CFO

Kevan Parekh joined Apple Inc. in 2013, embarking on what would become the defining chapter of his career. He started as head of financial support for various business divisions, steadily proving his ability to merge data with strategy. His rise was swift and well-earned — from Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) in 2020 to Vice President of FP&A in 2023.

During this time, Parekh also led Worldwide Finance for Engineering, iTunes, Marketing, Retail, and Sales, shaping the financial frameworks behind some of Apple’s most iconic products and services. He developed a reputation for transforming complex data into actionable strategies, enabling Apple’s innovation machine to run with precision and foresight.

On January 1, 2025, Kevan Parekh succeeded Luca Maestri as Apple’s CFO, joining the company’s elite executive team and directly reporting to CEO Tim Cook. As part of this role, he now manages Apple’s multitrillion-dollar ecosystem with a base salary of $1 million — a symbol of the immense trust placed in his leadership.

Leadership Philosophy — Creating Value, Not Just Protecting It

Colleagues describe Parekh as a rare leader who blends empathy with strategic boldness. Wouter Born, General Partner at Born Capital, once noted:

“His rise highlights a growing trend. Today’s most impactful CFOs don’t just protect value. They create it.”

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