Apple’s CEO is once again taking a medical leave of absence from the company in order to focus on his health. This is Jobs’ third leave of absence since he started the company in 1976, the most recent incident happening in 2009 when he had a liver transplant. Jobs composed an email that he sent to his staff, according to a statement released by Apple:
“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.
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 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”
Jobs didn’t declare a date for when he will return to day-to-day work, but he will still be included in all of the big decisions. Specific information was not released about what aspect of his health needed attention.
With Job’s absence, Cook will be taking over the daily operations, much like in 2009 when Jobs took leave. At that time, there was much debate about what was going to happen with Apple, and Apple’s investors were very skeptical about the future. Even more, Apple’s shares fell below $80 per share, and no one knew what to expect with their Key-To-Success out of the picture. Today, though, Apple has still been selling products like crazy – with products like the iPad and iPhone 4 easily generating such high revenues. Apple’s shares are currently worth over $300 each, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.
With Steve Jobs’ medical leave of absence, do you think the company’s shares will take a sudden plunge?