14 DAY TRIAL // Minutes ago, Apple posted an email sent by Chief Executive Officer, Steve Jobs, to employees today, in which he reveals that the board of directors has granted him a medical leave of absence.
In the letter, Apple’s CEO claims he is again faced with having to focus on his health, following a battle with a rare form of pancreatic cancer years ago, as well as a successful liver transplant more recently.
Visibly still thin in appearance at his most recent keynote presentation, the CEO apparently hasn’t fully recovered since the last medical intervention.
Jobs has again put Tim Cook (Apple COO) in charge with day-to-day operations during his leave.
Cook ran things smoothly at Apple as his boss struggled with health issues during a six-month leave between 2008 and 2009.
While not specifying the actual extent of his leave, Jobs did note that he and his family would greatly appreciate some privacy in the meantime.
Steve Jobs’ email sent to all Apple employees today has been reproduced below:
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.