Steve Jobs Takes Medical Leave

Arguably the most recognized face and voice in the tech world is going to be absent from the scene for a while. Steve Jobs announced today that he will be taking a medical leave of absence from Apple. Jobs will continue to serve as CEO and guide the company in strategic decisions, but will leave day-to-day operations in the hands of Tim Cook, Apple’s COO.

Jobs did not indicate the specifics of his medical leave. In 2009, Jobs stepped away for what was later revealed to be a liver transplant.

Jobs said in an email to employees: “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.”

Some analysts have taken the indecisive “hope to be back soon” as a negative, foreshadowing a potential serious condition and lengthy leave.

While domestic markets are closed for Martin Luther King Day, Apple’s stock has declined by 6 to 8 percent in overseas trading, according to USA Today. [via Apple and USA Today]