Full Text of Steve Jobs Letter to Apple Staff as He Takes New Medical Leave of Absence

(Updated) In a major blow even for a company flying so high, Apple CEO Steve Jobs has stepped away from day to day operations citing health reasons much as he did in January 2009. While he will continue as CEO, the Board have passed the day to day responsibility for running the Apple to COO Tim Cook. Jobs will be involved in “major strategic decisions" and will “be back as soon as I can."  He has battled pancreatic cancer and received a liver transplant. Full text of Job's letter to staff:

Apple CEO Steve Jobs today sent the following email to all Apple employees, according to the company.

Team,

At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple's day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.

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.

Steve