Steve Jobs takes medical leave from Apple: his email to staff

The poloshirted CEO of Apple – Steve Jobs – may not be around to present the new iPad in February as he has just announced he is to go on medical leave. It’s almost exactly two years since he last took medical leave to battle pancreatic cancer.

He leaves day to day operation of the company to Tim Cook, chief operating officer.

Here is the email he sent to staff at Apple:

Team,
At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.

I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.

Steve