Steve Jobs taking a leave of absence until June, health issue “more complex” than he thought

Sure to ignite the flames of gossip more than to hose it down, Apple CEO Steve Jobs has announced via email today that he will be taking a leave of absence to last until June of this year. While he is away, COO Tim Cook will be dealing with the work that Jobs leaves behind.

According to the email he sent out:

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.

Just last week, Jobs made the announcement that he was dealing with a “hormone imbalance” that was consequently affecting his health, causing him to lose much weight the past year. He told Apple employees that the leave of absence will allow him “to take myself out of the limelight and focus and health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products.”

But although the captain of the Apple ship may be gone for a good half-year, there is no concern over the plight of their business. Tim Bajarin, president of consulting firm Creative Strategies, reassures: “All products Apple has been working on that will be released in the next 18 months are already cast in stone and were developed with Steve’s leadership and direction.”

Coincidentally (or not), Apple’s shares closed down at US$ 8.33, down 2.71 percent that same day Jobs sent out his email announcement.

We wish Mr. Jobs all the best of luck.

Via Macworld

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