We just got news that Apple CEO and co-founder, Steve Jobs is resigning from Apple, Inc. Steve is stepping down from being CEO and is passing the torch to Tim Cook. Apple has published a letter from Steve Jobs to the Board of Directors and the Apple Community as follows:
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
Tim Cook who was previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer has been named the company’s new CEO. Steve has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the board immediately.
“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple’s Board. “Steve has 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.”
“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”
Jobs submitted his resignation to the Board today and strongly recommended that the Board implement its succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO.
May the force be strong with you Steve. Thank you for all the great years as CEO. I want to wish him good luck on his other endeavors and as chairman of Apple. It’s good to see he’s still going to be a part of Apples operation. We just wonder how the stock market is going to handle it.
Image credit.
News Source: Steve’s Letter, Press release
Pingback: Steve Jobs Has Passed Away at 56