Apple CEO Steve Jobs has just announced that he is taking a medical leave of absence. He will continue as CEO, but will pass day-to-day operations of the company to COO Tim Cook.
This is the email memo that Jobs sent to Apple employees today according to Business Wire.
Team,
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.
I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.
Steve
Jobs has not given a reason for the medical leave of absense. This is his second medical leave, following a battle with pancreatic cancer and a liver transplant in 2009.
Apple is slated to give its quarterly earnings report tomorrow, and perhaps more details will be forthcoming at that time.
