Apple's Second CEO Mike Markkula Was as Vital as Steve Jobs

Markkula helped shape Apple's early vision and direction, even as he stepped away from the CEO role

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:12am

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Mike Markkula, Apple's second CEO, played a crucial role in the company's early days, even though he is not as well-known as figures like Steve Jobs or John Sculley. Markkula provided the business acumen and financial backing that allowed Apple to get off the ground, and he wrote the company's influential "Apple Marketing Philosophy" memo that still guides its approach today. While he only served as CEO for a few years, Markkula's influence on Apple's early direction and values was immense.

Why it matters

Markkula's contributions to Apple's founding and early success are often overlooked, but he was instrumental in transforming the company from a garage startup into an industry leader. His business expertise, marketing vision, and willingness to take risks helped establish the foundations that allowed Apple to thrive over the decades that followed.

The details

Markkula was a successful marketing executive who had previously worked at Intel and Fairchild Semiconductor. In 1976, he was introduced to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and was impressed by their work on the Apple II computer. Markkula provided the initial $92,000 in funding and a $250,000 line of credit to help get Apple off the ground, and he also wrote the company's influential "Apple Marketing Philosophy" memo that outlined its focus on user experience and attention to design. As Apple's second CEO, Markkula helped professionalize the company, hiring its first official CEO in Michael Scott and later recruiting John Sculley to take over. Markkula remained involved with Apple for over 20 years, even as he stepped away from the CEO role in 1983. He played a key role in guiding the company through challenges like the failure of the Apple III and the tensions between Steve Jobs and John Sculley.

  • Markkula was born in 1942 in Los Angeles.
  • Markkula retired for the first time around 1975 at age 33.
  • In November 1976, Markkula met with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and was impressed by their work on the Apple II.
  • Apple Computer, Inc. was officially incorporated on January 3, 1977.
  • Markkula served as Apple's second CEO from 1981 to 1983.

The players

Mike Markkula

Apple's second CEO who provided crucial early funding and business expertise to help transform the company from a garage startup into an industry leader.

Steve Jobs

Co-founder of Apple who worked closely with Markkula in the company's early days, though the two later had a falling out when Jobs was forced out of the company.

Steve Wozniak

Co-founder of Apple who developed the pioneering Apple II computer that impressed Markkula and helped convince him to get involved with the company.

Michael Scott

Apple's first official CEO, hired by Markkula to help professionalize the company in its early years.

John Sculley

The CEO Markkula and Steve Jobs recruited to lead Apple, though Sculley's later tenure was marked by tensions with Jobs.

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What they’re saying

“I went over and met them in the garage. When I saw what Woz had done sitting there in that garage, using an ordinary home TV, and they had colour graphics, even, oh man.”

— Mike Markkula (Computer History Museum)

“I thought he was the nicest person ever. Better still, he actually liked what we had!”

— Steve Wozniak (Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs)

“I felt betrayed by Mike. But I still have a very warm spot in my heart for him.”

— Steve Jobs (New York Times)

What’s next

Markkula's lasting influence on Apple's culture and values will continue to be felt as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary in the years to come.

The takeaway

While not as famous as some of Apple's other leaders, Mike Markkula played a vital role in shaping the company's early direction and establishing the foundations that allowed it to become one of the most successful technology companies in the world.