18 January,2011 07:09 AM IST | | Agencies
Apple's CEO Steve Jobs has announced that he is to take "medical leave" from the company for the second time.
In an e-mail to all employees he said he was taking the break to focus on his health. He said he would continue as chief executive of Apple and be involved in any major decisions.
However, day-to-day running of the company will pass to Tim Cook. In late 2008 to mid-2009 Jobs was absent from Apple for six months to have a liver transplant.
Jobs will continue as the CEO but everyday running of the company has been passed to Tim Cook
It was part of the series of treatments he has undergone for pancreatic cancer.u00a0
He was first diagnosed as suffering from the cancer in 2004 and underwent surgery later that year to remove a tumour from his pancreas. In his e-mail Jobs said he would be back at work as soon as he can.
"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," he said in an e-mail.
"I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple's day to day operations." Cook is currently the firm's chief operating officer.
The announcement was made on a public holiday in the US when there is no trading in company stocks and shares.
It comes ahead of Apple's first quarter results, due tomorrow.
Did you know?
Steve Jobs, who is deeply spiritual, wanted to study and experience spiritualism and existentialism in India. He wanted to visit the Neem Karoli Baba at his Kainchi Ashram. He set out to India in 1974 along with his best friend but on reaching India, they learnt that the man they were looking for had died.
