When it was Tim Cook (COO, Apple) talking the stage at the Verizon iPhone event, many believed Steve Jobs is missing as it isn’t an Apple event. But this may be wrong. In a release today, it is revealed that Steve Jobs is yet again taking a leave from Apple (for medical reasons). Last time Steve Jobs took a medical leave from Apple, it was with a definite time frame and he was back as promised (with a liver transplant). However, this time the tone of his memo (copy below) send to Apple employees sounds different. While he continues to be the CEO and Tim Cook is again in-charge of the day to day operations, there is no mention of a return date. All he mentions is ‘I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can’. That doesn’t sound exceptionally gracious to me.
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
