Apple CEO Steve Jobs is taking a medical leave of absence, a week after revealing that he suffers from a condition he described as a hormone imbalance.
In an e-mail to employees released today by Apple, Jobs said he was stepping aide temporarily to focus on his condition, which he had earlier said wouldn't hinder his duties. He also said the move would better ensure that rampant media speculation about his health won't overshadow Apple's work.
Tim Cook, Apple's chief operating officer, will run the company until his return in summer, Jobs said, adding that he will continue to retain the position of CEO during that time.
"During the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought," Jobs wrote. "In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June."
"As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out," he added. "I look forward to seeing all of you this summer."