Steve Jobs has resigned.
If you’re just now finding out, I apologize and will give you a courtesy moment to dry your tears and realize that the technology is not going anywhere.
The irony being, how many of you discovered this news on a product that Jobs helped pioneer? He will continue to make great strides in the Apple kingdom, operating as Chairman while able-bodied Tim Cook takes over the helm at CEO.
The note was short and succinct:
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
Many relate Jobs’ and Apple’s success to the fact that Jobs can see a product from the customers’ point of view. There’s certainly been nothing but growth in the company the last ten years. In September of 2006, Apple had over 20,000 full time and part time employees, a number that only continues to grow. In September of 2010 Apple had close to 50,000 men and women in its employ.
The idea that a CEO or creator would step down isn’t uncommon in today’s tech industry. “Bill Gates no longer really runs Microsoft. Warren Buffet is more or less running Berkshire.
This isn’t the first time that someone has moved on,” Executive Director of Fast Company Noah Robischon told FoxNews.com. “So it’s really a question of how the company manages to foster innovation. Building teams that are creative and that aren’t just centered around supply chain management.”
Wall Street execs wondered how the change in leadership dynamic would affect Apple stock, but they needn’t have worried. Shares fell only %2 yesterday afternoon and has only dropped %5 in total since Jobs’ announcement.
The market’s modest reaction speaks to the public’s enthusiasm for Apple products and faith in the company. Apple shares are currently traded at $372.50.
A toast to a visionary- who co-founded Apple at age 21, was exiled after the boom and bust, returned as CEO and took Apple from bankruptcy to being proclaimed the world’s most valuable company.
He’s given us technology that we didn’t even know we needed: iPod, iPhone, iPad. Can’t forget about Pixar.
Coined a “genius” for each and every one of his staff (well deserved) and maintained an iconic uniform of black turtlenecks and jeans. I have a feeling that’s not the only legacy that he’ll leave behind.
Related articles
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