Sad News
Steve Jobs has resigned as CEO of Apple. Apple has just released a statement saying that Jobs, who has been suffering from what appears to be the sequelae of treatment for pancreatic cancer, is resigning effective immediately.
Many people start companies, but few can manage them as they get bigger. Fewer still can return after being fired and bring a organization back from the brink to one of the most successful companies in history. Only one can do it while also being the CEO of a major entertainment company, Pixar.
To a great extent, Apple is Steve Jobs, and Steve Jobs is Apple. He is part of the brand, with his iconic glasses, black mock turtleneck shirt, jeans, and sneakers. His aesthetic sense has been the reason for Apple’s greatest successes like the sleek MacBook Air on which I type this. His single-minded focus on simplification has changed the world of computing, moving it from nerd to cool.
Here is the letter Jobs wrote to the Board:
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
Tim Cook is a great executive. His supply line management is responsible for much of Apple’s profitability and agility. Jony Ives is still creating the design, and the rest of the management crew that Jobs built are still in place. I do not expect any significant changes in their products or strategic direction. But it’s still very sad news.
The light that burns twice as bright burns for half as long - and you have burned so very, very brightly...
Many people start companies, but few can manage them as they get bigger. Fewer still can return after being fired and bring a organization back from the brink to one of the most successful companies in history. Only one can do it while also being the CEO of a major entertainment company, Pixar.
To a great extent, Apple is Steve Jobs, and Steve Jobs is Apple. He is part of the brand, with his iconic glasses, black mock turtleneck shirt, jeans, and sneakers. His aesthetic sense has been the reason for Apple’s greatest successes like the sleek MacBook Air on which I type this. His single-minded focus on simplification has changed the world of computing, moving it from nerd to cool.
Here is the letter Jobs wrote to the Board:
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
Tim Cook is a great executive. His supply line management is responsible for much of Apple’s profitability and agility. Jony Ives is still creating the design, and the rest of the management crew that Jobs built are still in place. I do not expect any significant changes in their products or strategic direction. But it’s still very sad news.
The light that burns twice as bright burns for half as long - and you have burned so very, very brightly...