Jobs Resigns as Apple CEO

On 24/08/2011, Steve Jobs officially resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc. and recommended that the company appoint Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook as his successor. In a letter addressed to Apple’s board of directors and the Apple community, Jobs stated that he could no longer meet the duties and expectations required of the role. He also requested to remain involved with the company as chairman of the board, director, and Apple employee. Apple’s board accepted his resignation the same day and appointed Tim Cook as CEO. Jobs had served as CEO since 1997 following his return to Apple, overseeing the introduction of products including the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. His resignation followed multiple medical leaves of absence related to health issues, including a liver transplant in 2009 and subsequent periods away from day to day operations. Apple announced that its leadership transition plan had been in place, and Cook had previously managed company operations during Jobs’ absences. Apple confirmed that Jobs would continue to serve as chairman of the board after stepping down as CEO. The transition marked a leadership change at Apple after more than a decade of growth under Jobs’ direction. Tim Cook assumed responsibility for the company’s operations, product strategy, and executive leadership beginning on 24/08/2011.