Steve Jobs Out for Medical Leave

Apple CEO, Silicon Valley giant, wildly successful businessman and enigmatic leader Steve Jobs has announced he's taking a medical leave, to focus on his health. Notably, he made the announcement on a day when U.S. markets are closed.

The executive's last medical leave was two years ago -- lasting six months -- for a liver transplant.

Jobs asked Apple's board of directors for the break, leaving Tim Cook, Apple's COO, in charge of the company.

Giving no timetable for his return, Jobs' health has been a topic of discussion since he revealed he had a treatable form of pancreatic cancer.

Jobs' letter 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

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