Today, August 24,2018 is the seventh anniversary of the late Steve Jobs’ resignation as CEO of Apple. Jobs resigned in a letter addressed to Apple’s Board of Directors, on August 24, 2011.
In the letter, Jobs “strongly” recommended the board nominate then COO Tim Cook as his successor.
The letter from Jobs read as follows:
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
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.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
The Apple Board of Directors immediately approved Jobs’ request.
Jobs was diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in 2003. He died at age 56 on October 5, 2011, of respiratory arrest related to the tumor.
