Jobs steps down as Apple chief
The 55-year-old Apple co-founder and pancreatic cancer survivor has been on medical leave for an undisclosed condition since January 17.
Apple said Jobs has been elected chairman and Tim Cook has been elected chief executive. Cook had taken charge of day-to-day operations in Jobs’ absence.
In a statement Jobs said: “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.”
Jobs has had two spells with Apple, having been forced out in the 1980s. His return in the late 1990s sparked a revival in the company’s fortunes, seeing it becoming a market leader in consumer technology, such as the iPod and iPhone.
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