I have returned from my hiatus for this day that bound to go down in tech history. Just moments ago, it was announced that Steve Jobs has resigns from the position of Apple's CEO.
Aug. 24, 2011-- 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
Ever since he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, each medical leave that Jobs has taken over the years posed the question of "Will Apple Survive without Steve Jobs?" Well it's time for us to find out. If you know anything about Apple's history, you'll know that in Jobs has not always been a part of Apple. In 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne founded Apple and later hired John Sculley to be the company's CEO. By the end of May 1985, Jobs left the company and moved on to found NeXT Computers and buy the company we now know as Pixar. These were dark days for Apple until Jobs returned in 1997, saving them from bankruptcy.
Based on Apple history and Apple's stocks (which have dropped 7% since the announcement and each time Steve has been absent) it seems as if Steve Jobs is Apple's key to success. With Steve Jobs and his black turtleneck being as iconic as the Apple logo itself now, there is no doubt that Apple won't be the same without him.
Apple and its fan boys have lost a true visionary of a leader. I highly doubt that Tim Cook will be able to fill those shoes. However I'd like to believe that the Apple staff has learnt enough from Steve and their past mistakes to keep the legacy going. As brilliant as
Steve Jobs is, no company's faith should depend on one man. It also helps that he's not completely leaving Apple just yet, he's simply downgrading to What’s your take on it? Can Apple carry on its success without Steve Jobs’ magic?
