Steve Jobs Hands Off To Tim Cook, Resigns As Apple CEO

Hopefully Steve Jobs is not gravely ill. But his health must be the reason for today’s announcement that he’s resigning as CEO. He’s asked to remain as Chairman and that the board elect COO Tim Cook the new CEO.

Effectively Cook has been running the company for some time, while Jobs has been out for medical reasons. Thus the “day to day” shouldn’t be dramatically affected. What might be impacted over the longer term, however, is the product vision. Yet Apple is more than Steve Jobs, though his personality shapes its culture and products.

Below is the full text of Jobs’ letter to the board, citing his inability to fulfill his “duties and expectations”:

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

The current era of the “mobile internet” dates from the introduction of the iPhone in 2007. We expect more facts and details to come out over the next 24 hours. The story is developing on Techmeme.

About The Author

Greg Sterling

Greg Sterling is a Contributing Editor at Search Engine Land. He writes a personal blog, Screenwerk, about connecting the dots between digital media and real-world consumer behavior. He is also VP of Strategy and Insights for the Local Search Association. Follow him on Twitter or find him at Google+.