Steve Jobs Resigns as CEO of Apple Inc

Hmm, Steve Jobs has resigned as the Chief Executive Officer  of Apple.  Tim Cook  was named the new CEO and Jobs was elected Chairman of the Board. Jobs has been battling pancreatic cancer and had taken a leave of absence due to his medical condition. Jobs returned to Apple in March to help launch the iPad 2, so it cant be that unexpected that he step down again.

Apple’s Board of Directors today announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.

“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple’s Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

Statement from Steve Jobs:

“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,” the 55-year-old legendary co-founder of the company said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, that day has come.”

Thanks Steve, I remember my first Apple computer.

Brian in a Blue State