Steve Jobs Takes a Medical Leave of Absence to Focus on Health

Apple sent out the following Media Advisory today:

Apple CEO Steve Jobs today sent the following email to all Apple employees:

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

On January 14th of 2009, Jobs also took a six month leave to focus on his health, and subsequently had a liver transplant later that year. Tim Cook took the reigns and was reportedly paid $5 million dollars for filling Steve’s void.

Steve Jobs is taking another medical leave of absence. How will this affect the launch of the next iPhone and iPad? Typically, the Apple “road map” is always years ahead of schedule. However, product launches are not the same when they are not being introduced by Steve Jobs. Tomorrow, Apple will announce their 2011 first quarter earnings. We can expect some tough questions during the earnings call.

We wish Steve all the best and hope he gets healthier soon.

[Apple]

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