August 24, 2011 will be a date forever marked in history as the day that Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple. The world has been watching and wondering when this day would come because of Steve Jobs’ ongoing struggle with pancreatic cancer.
Steve Jobs gave his resignation letter to the Apple board, and shocked the world. Immediately afterwards, Steve Jobs was named as director and chairman of the board, but will give up his CEO status to Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook.
The complete resignation letter can be read below:
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
Steve Jobs – as CEO – was known as a visionary and leader that brought Apple to the top of the smartphone and tablet markets respectively, with the iPhone and iPad. He forged a path that no other company could travel, and created a brand that is associated with premium quality. We can only hope that Steve Jobs has many more years ahead of him in these retirement years of his life.
Sources:
Nias, Simon. Steve Jobs resigns as Apple CEO. PrintWeek.com.
Jennings, Richi. Steve Jobs resigns, steps down on health grounds….Blogs.computerworld.com.
White, Charlie. Steve Jobs Resignation Letter. Mashable.com.