Big news today: Steve Jobs is officially stepping down as CEO of Apple. The Apple Board of Directors announced today that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer and that Tim Cook will take over the post as CEO.
BusinessWire quotes Art Levinson, Charmain of Genentech, on behalf of Apple's Board, saying 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. 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.”
Jobs will remain with the company as chairman of the board.
While it's totally taken us by surprise, there's no doubt that this decision was probably made for good reason. Unfortunately, that means that Jobs won't be delivering the keynote in September, and the announcement may have been made today to help offset that fact and not take away focus on Apple's next mobile product.
Whatever's going on, we're sad to see Steve go. Here is Steve's letter:
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
Maxone42
August 27, 2011 at 3:40pm
@Jacob Sanbery@ The world is full of idiots , but you just might be the biggest of them all. I'm SURE you mama is very sorry you came out alive when she gave you birth. F. off assHole.
Jacob Stanbery
August 25, 2011 at 2:48pm
FINALLY! With Jobs gone, Apple just MIGHT become a respectable company. Even without Jobs, PC's will always be superior to Macs.
brandonwalkermedia
August 24, 2011 at 8:49pm
Sad that we will not be able to work with you as CEO but look forward to working with you as Chairman.
idbardin79
August 24, 2011 at 7:09pm
We'll all miss you a lot. Good luck in whatever you decide to do in future.
motox
August 24, 2011 at 6:25pm
Don't forget that Tim Cook has been running the company since January with Steve Jobs largely absent due to health problems. Apple will continue to be a strong, innovative, financially healthy company who makes great products. Steve's departure does not mean the end for Apple, and he will continue to influence the company's direction as Chairman of the Board. We all knew he had to step aside at some point.
BenTylerBurkhardt
August 24, 2011 at 8:00pm
Apple will remain strong. I guarantee that. They lead the Nasdaq.
BenTylerBurkhardt
August 24, 2011 at 5:38pm
Tim Cook is a smart man though... Forbes magazine and Jim Cramer of CNBC is saying to hold on to Apple stock. Apple is a strong company.
apple227
August 24, 2011 at 4:18pm
Steve,
we will all miss you very dearly and we hope you recover quickly from cancer, and continue to serve the apple community with new and insitfull ideas.
sincerely,
the entire apple comunity
