Tech & Biz

Steve Jobs Medical Leave: Tim Cook Takes Over

by Jordan Yerman | January 17, 2011 at 08:33 am

189 views | 1 Recommendation | 1 comment

Tim Cook Steps In For Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs sent the staff of Apple a short email, in which he announced a medical leave of absence. Apple COO Tim Cook will be running the company in Jobs' absence. This is the second time in two years that Steve Jobs has taken a leave of absence for medical reasons.

While Steve Jobs appealed for privacy, the media is already working itself up over this: Steve Jobs has stamped his personality onto Apple, and the Cupertino-based computing giant has just launched its flagship product, the iPhone, onto Verizon, the USA's largest wireless network.

Tim Cook's Second Time as Acting CEO

Tim Cook, who has been with Apple for nearly 13 years, acted as CEO in Steve Jobs' absence last time, for a period of six months. Cook is also on the board or directors for Nike.

Steve Jobs' latest health announcement comes the day before Apple is meant to release an earnings report, and will rekindle concerns over Apple's ability to navigate without him.

At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.

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porkpie-hat (not verified)

at 20:10 on January 17th, 2011

good luck to Steve and get well soon. Personal health is more important than anything.Another point it's great he can afford medical care when so many in the US can't but that's nothing against Steve.BTW has Amy left NP?