dSteve Jobs has taken medical leave from Apple Inc. for the second time in as many years.
Few details have been revealed.
Jobs survived pancreatic cancer and is recovering from a liver transplant. His cancer was diagnosed in 2003 as an islet cell, or neuroendocrine, tumor, which is a much rarer form of pancreatic tumor as well as a much more survivable form.
According to the company’s official web site, Jobs sent the following email to all Apple employees Monday
“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”
The fallout was immediate. Though the New York Stock Exchange was closed Monday, Apple shares dropped in overseas trading.
Chief operating officer Tim Cook will take over day-to-day operations. Cook represented the company at the iPhone for Verizon Wireless launch last week.
Jobs took a six-month break to have a liver transplant in 2009.
John M. Guilfoil of the Blast Staff contributed to this report.
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