Steve Jobs, the mastermind and CEO behind Apple, has announced that he will be taking a medical leave of absence from the company. For a man who has already battled and beat Pancreatic Cancer and survived a liver transplant, you have to wonder just what might be ailing Jobs and just how serious it might be.
In the absence of Jobs, the conch has been passed to Tim Cook who will charged with the responsibility of all of Apple’s day-to-day operations. It’s a position that Cook is familiar with, having filled in for Jobs during previous medical issues. The following email was sent to Apple employees and was included in the company’s release.
Team,
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
While questions are sure to fly concerning the seriousness of Jobs medical health and the timetable for his return, investors aren’t too concerned at the moment. Tomorrow, Apple is expected to release some jaw dropping financial results, Wall Street analysts estimate that the company raked in sales of more than $24 billion in sales during the last quarter, much of which was boosted by the intense demand of the iPad over the holiday season.
The competition should beware, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Jobs returns with another revolutionary idea and product.
