Seven Years Ago Today: Steve Jobs Resigns as CEO of Apple, Tim Cook Named His Successor

Today marks the seventh anniversary of the late Steve Jobs resigning as CEO of Apple. In a letter addressed to Apple's Board of Directors, dated August 24, 2011, Jobs strongly recommended then-COO Tim Cook be named his successor.

Tim Cook Steve Jobs
Letter from Steve Jobs:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Apple's Board of Directors approved the request, effective immediately, with Jobs elected Chairman of the Board. Jobs reportedly remained closely involved with Apple's strategic decision-making until passing away October 5, 2011.

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Top Rated Comments

Juicy Box Avatar
93 months ago
Today marks the seventh anniversary of the late Steve Jobs resigning as CEO of Apple ('https://www.macrumors.com/2011/08/24/steve-jobs-resigns-as-apple-ceo/'). In a letter addressed to Apple's Board of Directors, dated August 24, 2011, Jobs strongly recommended then-COO Tim Cook be named his successor.
From a business and a shareholder perspective, Jobs' recommendation was spot on, Cook has done amazing things, and made Apple into the cell phone giant that it is today.

From my perspective as a long time Apple fan, he is no Jobs, and my love for Apple has diminished to the point that for the first time since the mid-90's, I am strongly looking elsewhere for my electronic needs.
Score: 87 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bigboyz12000 Avatar
93 months ago
Sad Day. Apple has never been the same nor will it be.
Score: 83 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Guy Clark Avatar
93 months ago
"I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple's brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it"


The biggest mistake Steve Jobs ever made.

Complete lack of innovation.

Poorly designed Hardware.

Shoddy after sales service.

The shareholder is doing well though.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
93 months ago
Apple is nothing like it would’ve been if Jobs were still around. I know this because I’m from an alternate timeline in which this very thing happened.

Wow Tim Cook looks so much younger in that photo...
11 years of aging in a single GIF:



Attachment Image
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yesjam Avatar
93 months ago
Tim Cook is not a "Steve Jobs". And those of us who continue hold the Steve Jobs's vision in high regard should be thankful for that. Were Tim Cook a "Steve Jobs", the Apple of today would be radically different than the Apple of seven years ago, because to be a "Steve Jobs" is to be a radical and militant thinker with a distinctly personal vision. Tim Cook was and has been the best choice to see Steve Jobs's vision through. Because the person we admired was the Steve Jobs. Not just any "Steve Jobs".
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SuprUsrStan Avatar
93 months ago
Wow Tim Cook looks so much younger in that photo...
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)