THE face behind Apple has stepped aside, deciding that he can’t continue to fulfil his duties for medical reasons. Steve Jobs announced his decision to step down as chief executive of Apple just under two weeks ago. Mr. Jobs will stay on in a newly appointed role as chairman within the company, but in a backseat role. The news saw Apple’s shares on the stock market fall by five per cent and means that an uncertain future awaits the company that has revolutionised technology in recent years with innovations such as the iPhone and iPod.
In a resignation letter to the company, Jobs wrote;
"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.
Steve Jobs founded Apple in 1976 alongside college friends Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak. Eight years later, they launched the Apple Macintosh, which featured a famous TV commercial that was directed by Ridley Scott. The Macintosh became the world’s first successful commercial computer, but tough times awaited Apple and its figurehead.
His relationship with management deteriorated and he was fired in 1985. Apple nearly went bust, as they fell behind Microsoft in the computer market by quite a distance. It was Apple’s purchase of Jobs next company, NeXT computer that saw him back as the main man. In 1998, he launched the Apple iMac and since then, the enormous consumer appeal has driven Apple onto bigger and better things, with the iPod in 2003, iPhone in 2007 and the I-Pad last year, plus the success of the iTunes music store driving the company forward.
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| RESIGNS: Apple must move on without Jobs |
Steve Jobs is also the largest shareholder in Disney and co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios. Under his guidance, many animation successes have been created such as A Bug’s Life, Cars, Finding Nemo and Toy Story. In 2004, he underwent treatment for pancreatic cancer and in recent years, his health has taken its toll. Jobs began his third medical leave stint at the beginning of 2011. Having held the chief executive post since 1997, his successor will be the man who has filled in while the latest medical leave has been taken. Tim Cook has been with Apple himself for 13 years and one of Jobs disciples. He faces a huge challenge to keep Apple ahead of the game, especially with increased competition from the likes of Google, Samsung and BlackBerry in the technology market.
Steve Jobs has transformed Apple’s fortunes in the last two decades and although the company will continue, it will be interesting to see how well they do now with the absence of their figurehead.
