One of the most influential personalities in all of Silicon Valley has resigned as Steve Jobs’ reign as Apple head honcho has come to an end. Jobs has been on leave since January 17th after a liver transplant and passes on the reigns to COO Tim Cook.
Jobs’ short letter to the board read:
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
Jobs co-founded the firm back in the 70s and has seen the company get stronger by the second. Whether it was the original Macintosh computer, an iPod or an iPad, it’s pretty definite that you’re life has something Apple in it – most of it overseen by Jobs himself.
Analysts have commented that the move will have little effect on the everyday running of the firm but that didn’t stop the company’s shares falling by around 5%. This is the biggest company in the world we’re talking about remember. They can probably just about absorb it without too many alarm bells ringing.
The predictions that not a lot will change in the near future are right, for now. It remains to be seen how the firm goes forward and if the aggressive and innovative nature of the firm continues to be retained.
On the issue of whether much will change, Bryan Ma of IDC Asia-Pacific told the BBC’s Asia Business Report, “Maybe this will make the playing field a bit more level.”
There were likely large whoops at Google’s HQ as well as premiere Android handset manufacturers such as Samsung and HTC as they continue to attempt chipping away more and more of Apple’s handset share.
