The tech world is in shock today as Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, has resigned. Steve will become chairman of the board, but Tim Cook (COO) will step in his place, following Steve’s own recommendation. Seeing as Tim has stood in for Steve during his medical leaves, this should come as no surprise to anyone.
In his letter to the board, Steve writes:
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
We should have all seen this coming at some point. I mean, Steve is a great guy, but when you are battling cancer, sometimes you need to make a decision; your health or your career?
Steve Jobs cofounded Apple Computer in 1976 alongside Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. He left Apple in 1985 to start the company NeXT. He came back to Apple in 1997 and laid down the foundation for OSX, iTunes, the iPhone in 2007 and finally the iPad in 2010.
We are sorry to see Steve leave, but we know it’s for the best. Get well soon Steve and please continue to lead Apple in the direction it is going. With Steve as the Chairman of the Board, we know that his decision is still a great one and he will still have much influence on the company.
“tech world is in shock” = “fanboys are in shock”.
I think most of the objective tech world saw this coming sooner rather than later. Steve needs to take care of himself.