Wow, I don't expect for it to happen this quick. Steve Jobs has officially stepped down as the Chief Executing Officer of Apple. That position will be taken by Tim Cook, who up until now was Apple's Chief Operating Officer. However, Steve Jobs' stepping down as Apple's CEO doesn't mean he is quitting Apple. The Board of Directors has elected the Apple founder to be the company's Chairman and has also put Tim Cook on the Board as well.
Steve Jobs make it clear in a short letter to the Board:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's chief executive, I would be the first to let you know.
Unfortunately, that day has come. I hereby resign as chief executive 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.
This is something that everyone should expect. Just a few months ago, Steve Jobs was on a medical leave for couple of weeks right before the announcement of the iPad 2 though managed to get on stage for the iPad 2 event. It just that some of us may don't expect it to happen now.
Anyway, Jobs had done very good job leading the company to success. The continuous product innovation by the company under his helm making it the most valuable publicly traded company, beating ExxonMobil earlier this month.
Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple's Board 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.
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.”
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