Steve Jobs, Apple’s founder and CEO, sent a note to his company’s employees yesterday saying he is taking a medical leave of absence so he can focus on his health. The note said that Jobs would continue to be involved in major decisions, but that he would give up the day-to-day running of the company. Information Consulting earnestly hopes that Jobs recovers from his illness and comes back to the helm of Apple. He is only 55 and should have a long life ahead of him.
Since August 2004 when his pancreatic cancer was first revealed, Jobs’ health has been the subject of frequent speculation. This speculation was further fueled by the fact that in public appearances, Jobs has appeared thin and frail. Jobs took medical leave in the first half of 2009, returning to the company in late June. He received a liver transplant while on leave.
Because Jobs has been the force behind Apple’s products, his health issues have raised concerns about the future of Apple. The latest news about his illness is vague; it is not known what the nature of the problem is. Jobs’ previous medical history and the very real possibility of medical complications means that Apple should be more forthcoming about the medical condition of the company’s founder.
Few would doubt that Jobs is one of the brightest men ever born with an array of accomplishments under his belt. Under Jobs’ guidance, Apple has created products which made their mark on the industry. The brain behind the Macintosh line of computers, Jobs panned out the idea of an iPod, followed by the unleashing of ground-breaking products such as iPhone and iPad.
No major corporation is identified with its creator as much as Apple is with Jobs. Should anything happen to Jobs – and it is by no means certain that anything will – it is likely to have a profound impact on the future of Apple.
Jobs’ heir apparent is Timothy Cook, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer. Cook has distinguished himself for his ability to make Apple’s sprawling operations move on time. He handled the company’s day-to-day operations during the first half of 2009 when Jobs was on medical leave, and received a bonus of $22 million for his “outstanding performance.”
Information Consulting has concerns whether a post-Jobs Apple will be able to maintain the kind of momentum and market clout that the company currently enjoys. Despite Cook’s exceptional management skills, it is unclear if he will be able to offer Apple the kind of direction that Jobs provided.
www.information-consulting.com
www.information-consulting.com
