BREAKING: Steve Jobs Resigns As Apple CEO

Article written by: Asmara Wreksono
Posted on: August 24, 2011

It’s the end of an era. Co-founder and two-time CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, resigned from his post on Wednesday. Jobs wrote his official resignation letter, published by Businesswire:

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.

Steve

Job’s resignation came as a shock to most people, however to some, this has been predicted. In January, Jobs announced that he will be taking a medical leave of absence from the company due to his poor health condition. In March, he returned to launch the iPad 2.

The next question is who will replace his leadership? Jobs named Tim Cook, former COO of Apple, as his replacement. Cook has been Job’s stand-in since January, and the buzz of him being Job’s successor has been going around for some time. Cook was also the one standing in for Jobs during his struggle with pancreatic cancer back in 2004.

Art Levinson, chairman of biotech firm Genentech, stated:

“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO.”

To answer many people’s curiosity: Steve Jobs will not leave the company altogether. Apple released a statement that Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will be joining the board, effective immediately.

Any thoughts on this, SoJones readers? Spill!