Apple may not be looking so green over the next six months.
The stock fell 6% in after-hours trading, on news that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is taking a medical leave of absence until the end of June. Apple COO Tim Cook will be responsible for Apple’s day-to-day operations.
Here’s an Apple release:
I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very
personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, the curiosity over my
personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family,
but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week I have
learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally
thought.
In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and
to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I
have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.
I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple’s day to day operations,
and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great
job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am
out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.
I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.
Steve
