Steve Jobs resigns as Apple CEO

Posted:
in General Discussion edited January 2014
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs announced on Wednesday that he is no longer fit to serve as the company's chief executive officer, officially resigning from the position, which has been filled by Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook.



The announcement came Wednesday evening in a press release directed at the Apple Board of Directors, as well as the company's community. Jobs said he would like to stay on as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee, a wish that was granted by the board.



"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."



He also recommended that Cook, who has fulfilled Jobs' duties as CEO during his medical leave, take over as the chief executive. The board also agreed with Jobs' assessment, and Cook is now CEO.



"The board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO," Levinson said. "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' resignation was submitted to the Apple Board of Directors Wednesday. His role on the board, as well as Cook's election to the board, are both effective immediately.



Jobs has long maintained that his health is a private matter. His public letter issued on Wednesday made no mention of his current medical condition. Jobs had been on medical leave since January, and has had a long bout with cancer.







Jobs' full letter is included below:



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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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 329
    As expected. Good luck Steve.
  • Reply 2 of 329
    guch20guch20 Posts: 173member
    God damn it...he must think he's out of time...
  • Reply 3 of 329
    Just saw this on Fox business. Oh my!
  • Reply 4 of 329
    Live long Mr. Jobs
  • Reply 5 of 329
    guch20guch20 Posts: 173member
    Please God don't let him be that sick.
  • Reply 6 of 329
    Bummer. I really hope this doesn't come across as crass, but I don't want to see a Steve Jobs obit for a long time.
  • Reply 7 of 329
    My thoughts and prayers are with you.
  • Reply 8 of 329
    esstekesstek Posts: 14member
    We love you, man!



    Long Live Apple & Steve Jobs.
  • Reply 9 of 329
    kesemkesem Posts: 28member
    So sorry....
  • Reply 10 of 329
    john.bjohn.b Posts: 2,742member
    Wow!
  • Reply 11 of 329
    banalltvbanalltv Posts: 238member
    Oh nooooo! This isn't good! I wish there was some way we could help.



    Steve, or Steve's people, if you're reading these comments, be at peace, you did plenty. And you've been a huge personal inspiration to me.
  • Reply 12 of 329
    jexusjexus Posts: 373member
    You will be missed Mr. Jobs. May your days be better ones.



    Away from the field goes a great man...
  • Reply 13 of 329
    SpamSandwichSpamSandwich Posts: 33,407member
    He has to be too sick to continue. Godspeed, Steve.
  • Reply 14 of 329
    mstonemstone Posts: 11,510member
    Since he wants to stay on as Chairman I hope that means that his health is not any worse and he just needs to slow down. I wish you best of luck Steve. Thanks for all of your hard work. Well done.
  • Reply 15 of 329
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Jexus View Post


    You will be missed Mr. Jobs. May your days be better ones.



    Away from the field goes a great man...



    Jesus...... I wish him nothing but the best.... Eat some fruit, watch some TV... Kiss a girl. Enjoy life.
  • Reply 16 of 329
    oh no!
  • Reply 17 of 329
    Steve -



    Your leadership and vision have been second to none. I hope that you can have more time with your family now, and that your health by some miracle improves. You've been my inspiration, you've shown us a future that 'just works'. Thank you always.
  • Reply 18 of 329
    Take care Steve. Tim Cook is good hands.
  • Reply 19 of 329
    Glad I don't own Apple stock right now because it's going to kind-of-suck for shareholders tomorrow.



    Steve Jobs was the man (and my favorite cult leader), and Apple is going to struggle a while without him.
  • Reply 20 of 329
    kolchakkolchak Posts: 1,398member
    Godspeed, Steve. And whatever your future may hold, know that you leave a lasting and amazing legacy. You will not be forgotten.
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