Mr. Jobs is not as young as he use to be. The CEO will once again take a leave of absence due to medical reasons. In an SEC filing out today, Apple submitted the same media statement it released yesterday, but it also re-emphasized Jobs’ continuing role.
Apple highlighted: “As CEO, Mr. Jobs will stay involved in major strategic decisions during this leave of absence.” This gives a strong sign that Jobs will still be calling the shots on things like the long-term direction of the company and major product releases to the best of his ability.
Here is the relevant portion of the filing:
On January 17, 2011, Apple Inc. (“Apple”) issued a media advisory announcing Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs’s medical leave of absence. As CEO, Mr. Jobs will remain involved in major strategic decisions during this leave of absence, and Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook will be responsible for Apple’s day to day operations.
The stock hit $350 in after hours trading, highest ever. The company will be fine for now. It’s the long-term that Apple will have an issue with if Jobs does not come back.