[샌프란시스코=AP/] 최근 건강악화로 일선에서 물러난 애플의 창업주 스티브 잡스 CEO(최고경영자)가 24일(현시시각) 성명서를 통해 사의를 표명하고 후임으로 팀 쿡 최고운영책임자(COO)가 선임한다는 의사를 밝혔다. 애플은 이날 설명서를 통해 스티브 잡스의 비전과 리더십이 애플을 세계에서 가장 혁신적이고 가치있는 기술산업으로 이끌었다며 이사회는 팀 쿡이 애플의 차기 CEO에 가장 적합한 인물이라고 확신한다고 전했다. 2011년 1월, 지난 3년간의 췌장암 수술로 건강이 악화된 것으로 알려진 잡스는 일상적인 경영을 팀 쿡 COO에게 맡겨왔다. 다음은 잡스가 이사회와 애플에 전한 서한 전문 이다. 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. In this June 8, 2009 file photo, Apple interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook smiles before the start of the the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. Apple Inc. on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 said Steve Jobs is resigning as CEO, effective immediately. He will be replaced by Cook, who was the company's chief operating officer. It said Jobs has been elected as Apple's chairman. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File) In this Monday, June 6, 2011, Apple CEO Steve Jobs talks about iTunes and iCloud during a keynote address to the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. Apple Inc. on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 said Jobs is resigning as CEO, effective immediately. He will be replaced by Tim Cook, who was the company's chief operating officer. It said Jobs has been elected as Apple's chairman. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)