Apple CEO and one of the most popular businessmen in the world, Steve Jobs, has emailed his employees to let them know he will be taking a leave of absence due to a medical condition.
The 55-year-old wrote the following message to 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”
There’s no word yet on the specific medical condition that is preventing Jobs from fulfilling his duties but, according to Jobs’ email, Tim cook will take control of the company in his absence.
TechCrunch has noted that Steve fought (and beat) pancreatic cancer in 2004 and had a liver transplant in 2009.
