New Delhi, April 22 -- Apple is preparing for a major leadership transition, with Tim Cook set to step down in September and John Ternus taking over. Since Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded the company 50 years ago and wowed the world with its computers, its corner office has been a seat of technological power for many who have occupied it. Over time, that role has evolved alongside Apple's own growth and ambitions.

Here's a look at Apple's chief executives over the years:

1. Michael Scott (1977 to 1981)A year after Apple was founded by Jobs and Wozniak, Scott, who had previously worked at semiconductor trailblazers Fairchild Semiconductor and National Semiconductor, was brought in to provide experienced oversight. He described his r...