Steve Jobs’ Resignation Letter to Apple Board of Directors, Community [UPDATE]

Trading of Apple shares was halted late Wednesday pending the major breaking news that Steve Jobs, the company’s iconoclast leader has resigned from his long-held position as CEO. Below is the note Mr. Jobs sent to the Apple board and to the Apple community:

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To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

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

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After-hours trading of $AAPL resumed shortly thereafter, sending Apple shares down a relatively modest 5 percent. The move would likely have had much greater impact two years ago, as investors have recently priced Jobs’ impending departure into the stock. Business Insider’s Henry Blodget projected the announcement would have sent Apple shares tumbling 25 percent or more just two years ago.

Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, released a statement on behalf of Apple’s board: “Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company.”

“Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

Following the announcement of Steve Jobs’ resignation, Apple promptly named COO Tim Cook as the new CEO. Cook led Apple in 2004 and 2009 during Jobs’ medical leave. Cook is known for his calm demeanor, astonishing work ethic and tendency to challenge subordinates with impossible-to-answer questions.

“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”

Our thoughts are with Steve Jobs and his family, and we wish him well during these challenging times. As a small token of appreciation, we direct you toward Business Insider’s “The Life and Awesomeness of Steve Jobs.”