Tim Cook is set to take the reins from the world’s most celebrated CEO. Steve Jobs has recommended to Apple’s board of directors that chief operating officer Tim Cook takes the top job at the technology giant following his decision, announced yesterday, to step down as CEO of the company he cofounded with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in 1976.

The question exercising the minds of analysts and investors is whether he can inspire and lead the company in the manner Jobs has done and continue to lead Apple to greater success.

Though Apple has recently been jockeying with Exxon Mobil for the title of most valuable company in the US, the company is facing increasing competition from Google with its Android operating system — which is now on more smartphones than any other operating system.

This isn’t the first time Cook has taken the helm, having stood in for Jobs during his intermittent leaves of absence for health reasons — the first of which came when Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004.

Though Cook is regarded as less charismatic than Jobs, many analysts believe he is an equally capable and meticulous leader.

Steve Jobs’s letter of resignation
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

One of Cook’s greatest successes since he joined Apple as senior vice president for worldwide operations in 1998 has been to reduce both inventory levels and Apple’s direct involvement in manufacturing, having outsourced to contract manufacturers and improved the company’s logistics.

Prior to joining Apple, Cook worked for PC maker Compaq as its vice president of corporate materials. Cook also spent a dozen years at IBM, most of them as director of North American fulfilment.

Apple loyalists will be watching the company’s next keynote presentation — and particularly Cook’s part in it — even more closely than usual. — Craig Wilson, TechCentral