CALIFORNIA -- Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs, has resigned, and passed the torch to Tim Cook, the company's Chief Operating Officer.
Jobs has endured a long battle pancreatic cancer, and throughout the last several years had taken long leaves of absence from his position at the influential technology company. There's no word yet if his health woes led him to this decision.
The following is a letter 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
