Apple’s Steve Jobs takes Medical Leave

Reuters is reporting Apple’s Steve Jobs has requested a medical leave and it has been approved by the board. Chief Operating Officer Tom Cook will be responsible for day to day operations in the interim.  Jobs will continue as CEO and still be involved with any major strategic decisions. Jobs did not say  how long his leave would be, but did say that he hopes “to be back as soon as I can.” Jobs also said “In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.”

This is the second medical leave Jobs has taken as CEO, with the first being in late 2008 to mid-2009 for a six month period where Jobs received a liver transplant.

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Apple Media Advisory

–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

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

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Source:  Reuters