Sad and ominous news – for the industry, for Apple fans and surely for Steve Jobs personally. In his typical fashion, Steve Jobs has sent a letter to the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community.
In the letter, he resigns as the CEO, recommends Tim Cook as his successor, and volunteers to serve as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
Here is the text from the letter (for the moment, it’s not on Apple’s press releases site yet):
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
