Although I knew this was going to happen eventually I wasn’t expecting it so soon, Steve Jobs has officially resigned as the CEO of Apple. In typical Steve fashion his resignation letter was short and to the point:
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
Steve will retain his role as chairman of the board and Tim Cook has already been announced as the new CEO.
Although I’ve often referred to Steve as a prick and an asshole I still had a great deal of respect for his business ability. He basically came back to Apple when it was nearing bankruptcy and turned it into one of the highest valued companies on the planet. This turn around wasn’t due to a government bailout or legislation to “even the field” for Apple, it was done by offering products people wanted.
Sadly my money is on Steve’s resignation being due to his continually deteriorating health. Although I personally believe Steve Wozniak was the true genius behind the starting of Apple I can’t deny the value of Job’s business ability in jumpstarting the personal computer revolution. It’ll be a sad day when we begin to lose some of the iconic individuals who helped change computers from something only the most wealthy companies could afford into devices so many people now have multiple of. Here’s hoping that Steve stays with us for many years to come.
Many people have been stating concern over the future of the company as Apple nearly went bankrupt the last time Steve departed. This time is a bit different though as last time Steve was forced out by the Board of Directors due to his rivalry with John Sculley who had been hired for his success at marketing for Pepsi. Sculley didn’t have an engineering background or any idea how to manage Apple’s product line which is what lead to their near bankruptcy. Tim Cook on the other hand was the COO and has been personally groomed by Steve to be his successor. It would surprise me if Steve’s recommended man wouldn’t follow well in the steps of his predecessor.