By Greg Hazley
Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who has been on medical leave since January, resigned Wednesday afternoon, leading to worldwide speculation about the company’s future, image and creative force.
The 55-year-old pancreatic cancer survivor has turned over the leadership reins to COO/president and deputy Tim Cook. Jobs will remain chairman, a new post.
In a statement, Jobs reminded Apple shareholders that he had pledged to step down when he was no longer able to helm the company.
“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,” he wrote in a letter to the Apple’s board which was released by the company.
Trading in Apple stock was suspended Wednesday. Shares fell in after-hours trading.
“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,” said Jobs.
Board chairman Art Levinson of Genentech hailed Jobs’ “extraordinary vision and leadership” for saving Apple and guiding its rebound to become “the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company.” He said the board has “complete confidence” that Cook is the “right person” to become CEO.
Reacting to Jobs' exit, the Chicago Tribune noted he “cultivated his, and Apple’s, aura close to the turtleneck” in pointing out his famously “tight-lipped” PR department.
United Press International said Jobs has a “slight Bob Dylan complex – as a person who distrusts the press, as it were.”
Writing at Zdnet.com, Rachel King said Jobs’ exit won’t diminish Apple’s brand.
“It will be a shift in the company’s history, certainly,” she wrote. “But it has already been proven this year that Apple’s momentum can continue as Jobs steps back from the company.
Apple PR chief Katie Cotton was named one of the 10 most powerful women in Silicon Valley by the San Jose Mercury News in January and one of the top 50 most powerful women in business by Fortune last year.
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