The Entire Letter: Steve Jobs Explains His Health Problem: “Hormone Imbalance”–Predicts Recovery by Spring and Will Stay On as CEO
by Peter Kafka
Posted on January 5, 2009 at 5:42 AM PT
Here’s an extraordinary memo that just crossed the wires from Apple (AAPL) CEO Steve Jobs, addressing the long-running speculation about his health:
Letter From Apple CEO Steve Jobs
Dear Apple Community,
For the first time in a decade, I’m getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.
Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.
I’ve decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.
As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.
Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause — a hormone imbalance that has been “robbing” me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.
The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I’ve already begun treatment. But, just like I didn’t lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple’s CEO during my recovery.
I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple’s CEO. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for Apple first.
So now I’ve said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.
Steve
And here is a related follow-up statement from the Apple board of directors:
It is widely recognized both inside and outside of Apple that Steve Jobs is one of the most talented and effective CEOs in the world.
As we have said before, if there ever comes a day when Steve wants to retire or for other reasons cannot continue to fulfill his duties as Apple’s CEO, you will know it.
Apple is very lucky to have Steve as its leader and CEO, and he deserves our complete and unwavering support during his recuperation. He most certainly has that from Apple and its Board.
[Photo credit: Matthew Yohe, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.]
Follow Peter on Twitter | Follow AllThingsD on Twitter
Comments
Dr. Tantillo (’the marketing doctor’) did a post back in July on his branding blog, pointing out that Jobs and Apple are two separate–albeit intertwined–brands. He insisted that while Jobs is irreplaceable, he should address the question of succession Now (well, then, in July) to best secure Apple’s future–and reassure stockholders. It makes sense to at least have a plan in place.
Posted by elo sloane at January 5th, 2009 at 8:56 amFull post
it’s too bad about steve… tech needs a hardass like him to bust some balls
Posted by Sam Harrison at January 5th, 2009 at 1:46 pmSteve was on the http://www.superfoodsplan.com weight loss plan, mainly on apples which are, of course, small and super.
Glad we can joke about it now.
Posted by jo goldsmith at January 5th, 2009 at 2:20 pmWe now know, that Jobs decided “a few weeks ago” that determining why he was continuing to lose weight was his highest priority. Apple has not said that particular decision was linked to the decision to have Phil Schiller deliver the keynote.
Posted by Garry Will at May 21st, 2009 at 6:52 pmIs Bronchitis Contagious?