14 DAY TRIAL // An email authored Apple Chief Executive Officer, Steve Jobs denies talks of a CEO succession plan that reportedly occurred during the company’s latest meeting to disclose quarterly earnings.
"I think it is hogwash" the iconic Apple chief reportedly told the Wall Street Journal (subscription required) via email, trying to deflect attention from stories that Apple's board of directors had been talking about a succession plan.
However, such talks would be well justified, had they indeed occurred.
Jobs, aged 56, has been on (his third) medical leave of absence for the better part of this year with no indication as to when he might return to his CEO duties full time.
Filling in for him is Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook, who has done a good job at running the company in the past when Jobs was forced to attend to his health.
Appearing rail thin and showing no considerable signs of health improvement over the past few years, Steve Jobs has nonetheless delivered several keynote presentations since being granted his latest leave by the Apple Board of Directors.
Perhaps Apple events are the only things that can build up confidence among shareholders who, as some vocal groups have opined, deserve to know the CEO’s health status to make more profitable decisions.
Undoubtedly, both Apple investors and the company’s directors have raised the subject of ‘who will be our next CEO?’
After all, the world’s most valuable technology company cannot rest on its laurels knowing Jobs’ health may take a turn for the worse.
However, this also doesn’t mean there is too big a reason for concern. As reported earlier today, Apple just announced its most profitable quarter yet.
Steve Jobs himself issued a statement in light of their quarterly disclosures, saying “We’re thrilled to deliver our best quarter ever, with revenue up 82 percent and profits up 125 percent.
“Right now, we’re very focused and excited about bringing iOS 5 and iCloud to our users this fall.”
We wouldn’t try to shift attention from Steve Jobs, but we can safely say there’s a good chance the Apple CEO will be launching these two products personally in a few months.