Apple CEO Steve Jobs, a key figure behind gaming device hits like the iPhone and iPad, has announced his second medical leave of absence from the company in two years, though he will remain CEO.
The charismatic head of the Cupertino, CA-based tech firm, which has relied on video games as a key driver of its touchscreen-based computer hardware in recent years, has had a number of health problems in recent years, culminating in a liver transplant in April 2009.
During that earlier transplant process, Apple's Tim Cook was named acting CEO, although it appears that this time, Cook will run "day to day operations" without assuming such a title.
The CEO's full statement to Apple employees, released earlier today, is as follows:
"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."
