Steve Jobs, the CEO of Cupertino-based software developer Apple, has recently announced that because of his health, he has to take a medical leave of absence. In a letter sent to all Apple employees, Steve Jobs explained that his input will be taken into consideration when making important strategic considerations; he is still the Chief Executive Officer of Apple. While Jobs is gone his responsibilities will be covered by Tim Cook.
Here’s the full text of the email Steve Jobs sent to all Apple employees: “Team,
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At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.
I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.
I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.
Steve”
This is the second time in two years and the third time in 7 years that Steve Jobs takes a medical leave of absence. The last times Jobs took a medical leave, the same Tim Cooks took assumed responsibility for Apple’s day-to-day operations. Back in 2004 Steve Jobs took a medical leave of 2 months to recover from pancreatic cancer surgery. Then in 2009 Jobs took a medical leave of several months to get a liver transplant. The third time Jobs took a medical leave is this January, 2011.
Before joining Apple, Cook spent 12 years working for IBM; he ran manufacturing and operations for the company's PC business. He then left IBM for Compaq. In 1998, after working only 6 months for Compaq, he joined Apple as a Senior VP of Worldwide Operations. Since then he moved up to COO (Chief Operations Officer) and interim CEO when Steve Jobs is away. It is believed that when Jobs will leave Apple, Cook will be the one to replace him.