Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, 55, relinquishes his role as Apple’s CEO tonight. While this may not come as a huge shock to people, as over the years, there has been great speculation about Steve’s health. Most notably, Steve was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in mid-2004 and underwent a liver transplant in 2009.
It’s been 35 years since Jobs co-founded Apple, and since then has helped drive the company to unimaginable success. Apple is currently valued at $349 billion which makes it the worlds second biggest company.
Steve’s ambition and drive to constantly strive for the best is what brought us the iPod. I mean, MP3 players we’re nothing new, but the iPod set a new benchmark that competitors are still chasing.
The announcement saw a sharp drop in Apple shares, but that’s to be expected.
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
This was such crazy news! Steve Jobs built an empire… it will be very interesting to see how things change with Apple. Especially with the gaining competition from Google.