In a letter the the company’s board of directors and the “Apple Community,” Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple, the company he co-founded with Steve Wozniak in 1976:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
Following his recommendation, the company announced that Tim Cook had been named CEO and would have a seat on the board and that Jobs had been named chairman.
To quote from my own post on Twitter et al: “Thanks for everything, Steve — you really did change the world. Here’s wishing you a long tenure as Chairman of the Board.”