Apple's Steve Jobs resigns
Share
Steve Jobs has resigned as Apple CEO appointing former Apple chief operating officer Tim Cook as his replacement.
Jobs resigned because he said he “could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO” but will now take the role of chairman of the board at Apple.
According to reports, Jobs stepping down was caused by ill health, as the technology firm’s former head has been battling cancer over the past few years.
Jobs submitted his resignation last night in the form of a letter, suggesting that Cook take over as CEO.
Art Levinson, chairman of Genetech, who responded on behalf of Apple’s board confirmed Jobs would remain involved in the firm.
In his new role as chairman of the Board, Jobs will continue to serve Apple with his “unique insights, creativity and inspiration,” said Levinson, “The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO.”
Apple is rumoured to have a new version of its iPhone range due out in the next few months, iPhone 5, but reports suggest that it is in too mature stages to be affected by Jobs resignation.
Jobs co-founded Apple in 1976 with Steve Wozniak but left the company in the mid 80s, returning in 1996 to lead Apple towards being one of the worlds most valuable companies, launching products including iMac, iPod and iPhone.
This story first appeared on New Media Age. For more digital stories and analysis’ from NMA click here now
Readers' comments (1)
Richard Stephens, managing director, DirectionGrou | Fri, 26 Aug 2011 4:23 pm
As head of a pretty successful UK design and marketing consultancy specialising in the technology sector I have for over 30 years always loved what Steve Jobs has done for design and for technology- importantly, often despite all the very sensible reasons not to do it.
Steve Jobs and the Apple brand have maintained a consistent level of innovation and pioneering style. Jobs led from the front (even when he got fired), taking decisions and risks most corporate leaders could or would not dare to take, simply because he knew how and why.
His leadership was complex and occasionally financially questionable but his style, bravado and sheer determination to do what he really believed in is surely the big lesson to us all. As a designer, stubborn boss and business icon Jobs will not easily be replaced at the forefront of design perfection and brand recognition.
Jobs is going - let’s hope the sparkle that made Apple the most respected and recognised brand on the planet stays right here: where we like it most!
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment