Steve Jobs Resigns

Last night Steve Jobs resigned as the CEO of Apple Inc ($AAPL).  His letter below:

August 24, 2011

Letter from Steve Jobs

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

This news is beyond sad.  I don’t have any special insights or anything important to add here other than to say that I’m a huge fan of the man and his products and the company he’s built.  Here are some links…

Apple’s Steve Jobs: A real-life Willy Wonka with an eye for detail, beauty  (Chicago Tribune)

Apple analysts weigh in  (CNNMoney)

Meet the man who will replace Jobs (Fortune)

The ultimate Steve Jobs resignation linkfest  (Abnormal Returns)