Apple keeping options open for CEO replacement

Steve Jobs hasn't been well now for some time, and as we have reported in the past, he recently took some medical leave to get some rest and recuperate.

The Wall Street Journal have an article up today which would seem to show that the Apple board of directors are keeping their choices open for a future successor to Jobs. Apparently they have been working with executive recruiters and ‘at least one head of a high profile technology company' claiming sources close to the company.

While the Wall Street Journal aren't claiming that Apple are actively recruiting for an immediate replacement, it appears they are trying to shortlist a handful of potential candidates, should Job's health deteriorate any further.

According to the article, it would appear that the whole board of directors have not been involved, and that Jobs himself might not even know about the process.

Jobs health has been in question now for months although recent reports would indicate that he has been fighting hard and has regained some of his strength. He has been active in many of the companies key management decisions and was holding conference calls from his home. While his body looks weak, clearly his mind is still very sharp and active.

Jobs keeps his personal life very private, and would rather focus on the business. An email he sent to employees was very telling of his state of mind at the time “Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well.”

Steve Jobs has dealt with pancreatic cancer in the past and had a liver transplant in 2009. He said after the transplant “As some of you know, five months ago I had a liver transplant. I now have the liver of a mid-20s person who died in a car crash and was generous enough to donate their organs. I wouldn't be here without such generosity, so I hope all of us can be as generous and elect to be organ donors.”

Kitguru says: Will Apple be able to continue their world dominance without Jobs at the helm?

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