Steves extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the worlds most innovative and valuable technology company, said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple’s Board. Steve has made countless contributions to Apples success, and he has attracted and inspired Apples 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.
The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO, added Levinson. Tims 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.
Jobs submitted his resignation to the Board today and strongly recommended that the Board implement its succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO.
As COO, Cook was previously responsible for all of the companys worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end management of Apples supply chain, sales activities, and service and support in all markets and countries. He also headed Apples Macintosh division and played a key role in the continued development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.