Steve Jobs is arguably the greatest American businessperson of all time. His consistent success across many different industries has been unparalleled. Heck, even Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Henry Ford or John D. Rockefeller don’t match up. After all, Mr. Jobs has become a billionaire THREE different times in his career. First, with Apple in the 1980s. Then, with Pixar in the 1990s. Then again with Apple in the 21st Century.

Who can match that?

So, it’s with great apprehension that we report that the 53-year-old Mr. Jobs has disclosed that he has a “more complex” medical condition than previously thought and that he would be taking a leave of absence from Apple until the end of June.

In an email to his employees, Mr. Jobs wrote: “As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I’m 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 healht-related issues are more complex than originally thought. In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.”

Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook, will be running the show during Mr. Jobs’ leave. Mr. Cook filled in for Mr. Jobs in 2004 when the Apple chief took time off to battle his cancer.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Jobs and his family as he confronts (and eventually overcomes) whatever health issues he’s facing.

All the best.

Thursday, January 15th, 2009, 6:55 am   |   Apple, General Business  |  RSS feed |  Respond  |  Trackback