After years of speculation about his health problems amid public speculation, resourceful Apple CEO Steve Jobs has resigned from his position with the company and board of directors and immediately handed the reigns of control over to Tim Cook, chief operating officer, who was always his likely successor.

While staunchly private about the true status of his ongoing health issues, Jobs battled pancreatic cancer in 2004 and rumors speculate about a liver transplant as recent as last year.  With proven determination to lead Apple from fledgling runner-up to leading technology giant, Steve Jobs‘ triumph with Apple is truly the embodiment of an American success story who is admired by legions of tech junkies worldwide.

The Associated Press released this official Apple press release notification after the market closed yesterday (in which Apple stock went down 5.4%):

Apple’s Board of Directors today announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.

“Steve‘s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple’s Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”

With a track record worthy of the record books Jobs‘ dedication and leadership inspired countless startups, solidified existing business models & turned Apple around to become the biggest visionary giant in the world.  We wish him the best of luck in health and prosperity in the immediate future, we know that his legacy has changed the world we know forever.

We here at Hark have been inspired by Jobs and his many accomplishments (I say this as I am writing on my MacBook Pro right now) and would like to share our Steve Jobs Sound Quotes Collection with you, the man in action is just as strong as his words.
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