Lady LUX

In a surprising move, Steve Jobs has officially resigned as Apple’s chief executive officer. Per Jobs’ recommendation, he will be succeeded by Tim Cook, formerly chief operating officer at Apple, effective immediately. Jobs will stay at the company as chairman.

“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,” Jobs explained in his letter of resignation, reported Fox News.

After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004 and undergoing a liver transplant in 2009, Jobs has been battling serious health problems for years. When Jobs decided to take a medical leave of absence in January, Cook stepped in to fill his shoes as acting CEO.

“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” Art Levinson, chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple's board said in a statement. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as chairman of the board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

Cook boasts 13 years experience at Apple, having presided over the tech giant’s international sales and operations, including supply chain management, sales work, and service and support of global markets.

“The board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” Levinson noted. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”

What do you think Apple will be like without him?

Tagged in: ceo, jobs, apple, resign, chief executive officer, steve jobs, tim cook,