Today marked the end of an incredible era for Apple as Steve Jobs resigned as Chief Executive Officer, citing that he is no longer fit or able to serve as the head of the company. With his resignation, the CEO role will be filled by Tim Cook, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer.
In a press released that seems to be directed both to Apple’s Board of Directors and the world at large, Jobs gracefully stepped out of the CEO role while asking to remain as Chairman of the Board, as well as an Apple employee. Unsurprisingly, his wish was granted and Jobs will remain with the company to assist in the transition. Commenting on behalf of Apple’s Board of Directors, Art Levinson said that “Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” and that Jobs had “made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”
Apple’s board members wasted no time in approving Tim Cook as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. Cook has been with Apple for well over a decade, rising through the ranks to his previous position as COO. Cook was widely rumored to be next in line for the CEO position, although many expected Jobs to hang on for a bit longer. Although Jobs has been on medical leave since the start of the year, he has kept up with his normal schedule of public appearances for Apple, including delivering the iOS 5 keynote at the WorldWide Developer’s Conference in June.
Jobs has kept his health matters private since word broke that he was dealing with some form of cancer some years ago. The letter that he issued to the public to announce his resignation (posted below) didn’t shed any light on a possible decline in his health or whether it was related to his resignation. It is our sincere hope that Jobs’ battle with cancer has not taken a turn for the worse.
Below is Steve Jobs’ resignation letter as released today, in its entirety. Our many thanks go out to Mr. Jobs for the brilliance he has brought to Apple, taking the company from the brink of disaster to having the largest market share of any corporation in the world in just over a decade.
Nobody really knows if this will effect the iPhone 5 Release Date or not, but Apple likely already has a strict launch plan.
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.
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