Steve Jobs resigns as Apple CEO

24 August, 2011 - Paul Dixon
Steve Jobs biography jacket

In a public letter addressed to the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community, Steve Jobs has tonight, resigned as the CEO of Apple. In the letter he requested that he be allowed to serve as Chairman of the Board, and that Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook be appointed as CEO in his place. Both requests have been approved by the board.

Letter from Steve Jobs

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

In 2004 Steve Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, an illness which has forced him to take three medical leaves of absence – the latest one beginning in January this year. While it was inevitable that the illness would force him to relinquish more and more of his duties at Apple, today’s news is nonetheless, still a shock.

Here’s hoping he can continue to contribute to the company in his new role as Chairman of the Board for many years to come.

Press release from Apple

About the author

Paul Dixon is the owner of Macsessed. He lives in Lancashire in the UK where he works as a web designer. You can find him on and Twitter.