Yesterday, both investors and the Apple community was taken by shock when Steve Jobs unexpectedly announced that he would be stepping down from Apple after 14 straight years as CEO. Tim Cook, who was previously the company’s Chief Operating Officer, took his place. His first order of business? Send all Apple employees an email promising not to change Apple’s current philosophy.
In his email, Cook acknowledged Jobs’ great success at turning the company into what it is today: a multi-billion dollar business that has made several products, most of which are successful, such as the iPod and iPhone, which are known popular icons of 21st century culture. Tim Cook also calls Jobs a mentor, giving him credit for much of his experience he has acquired managing Apple for the last 13 years. Indeed, Tom Cook promises that Apple will stay ‘Apple’, keeping the same philosophy of releasing great products and maintaining the same culture that has made the company succeed. If you were hoping for a cheap $400-MacBook Air made out of plastic, Tim Cook likely won’t be your best friend.
Cook is confident that by sticking to Jobs’ vision, Apple will continue to be hugely successful; he goes as far as saying that Apple’s best days are yet to come. Indeed, there’s no reason to believe they aren’t; while Steve Jobs will no longer be on permanent duty at the company, many talented people he brought in will. There’s no reason to believe that Apple’s innovative talent will simply fade way just because the head honcho is no longer there. Yet, Cook will likely be tested by both the media and investors on whether he’s just as creative and charismatic as Steve Jobs.
Tim Cook is no outsider, in fact, he has overseen the company’s daily operations for quite a long time, under his previous role of Chief Operating Officer. More recently, Apple began transferring more and more power to Cook as Jobs has become increasingly absent due to his state of health. More likely than not, Cook was more of a CEO than Jobs for the last few years, despite the fact that this change has only become official now. Furthermore, Steve Jobs’ insight will still be provided, since he will remain as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Under this role, he’ll be able to have a say on all major decisions made by the company and even overrule those that might displease him.
Read Tim Cook’s full letter below:
Team:
I am looking forward to the amazing opportunity of serving as CEO of the most innovative company in the world. Joining Apple was the best decision I’ve ever made and it’s been the privilege of a lifetime to work for Apple and Steve for over 13 years. I share Steve’s optimism for Apple’s bright future.
Steve has been an incredible leader and mentor to me, as well as to the entire executive team and our amazing employees. We are really looking forward to Steve’s ongoing guidance and inspiration as our Chairman.
I want you to be confident that Apple is not going to change. I cherish and celebrate Apple’s unique principles and values. Steve built a company and culture that is unlike any other in the world and we are going to stay true to that—it is in our DNA. We are going to continue to make the best products in the world that delight our customers and make our employees incredibly proud of what they do.
I love Apple and I am looking forward to diving into my new role. All of the incredible support from the Board, the executive team and many of you has been inspiring. I am confident our best years lie ahead of us and that together we will continue to make Apple the magical place that it is.
Tim
(via ArsTechnica)
You can follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook fanpage to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google and Apple.
