Apple’s former CEO (and Savior), Steve Jobs, tendered his resignation last night from his post. Steve had indicated that he would like to serve as Apple’s Chairman of the Board and as an Apple Employee – both of which were granted to him immediately after his announcement. Steve’s letter of resignation to Apple’s board of Directors and Community is posted in its entirety 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
Jacqui Cheng summed up my thoughts best with her Tweet, “8/24/11 Never Forget.” Yesterday marked a monumental part of history for Apple and the technology world as a whole. Am I concerned about Apple as a company, their amazing corporate culture, and their ability to continually innovate? No. I think that Apple has adopted Steve Jobs’ qualities and they have an amazing executive team to continue steering the ship. Am I concerned about the public’s perception over Steve Jobs stepping down? Yes. I don’t think that people realize that Steve did not single handily design the iPhone and iPad – that the same team of people responsible for those products are still working hard as I write this.
Apple will continue to do amazing things and I will continue to be a loyal fan. I wish Steve Jobs the best and also want to thank him for all that he has done for Apple and the tech community as a whole over… well, lets face it, my lifetime.