The 5 Men Who Will Lead Apple

No one can deny that Steve Jobs' hands-on approach to running Apple is responsible for the company's current success. Unfortunately, for the second time in the last few years, health concerns have forced Jobs to step down from the day-to-day operation of the company. While Jobs is expected to remain CEO even in his absence, it will take several people to keep the company running at the same speed.

Apple and Steve Jobs have a colorful history together. The two entities may seem inextricably linked, but that has not always been the case. Jobs co-founded Apple with Steve Wozniak in 1976, but he was unceremoniously removed in 1985. After Jobs was ousted, Apple went on a path of self-destruction. In 1996, Steve Jobs returned as the interim CEO of the company and the revival of Apple was underway.

Under Jobs' leadership, major new products were introduced. Apple's personal computers underwent radical cosmetic changes that had the industry and general public abuzz. The iPod was introduced and then emerged as the clear leader in the field of MP3 players.

The negotiating power of Steve Jobs is well documented as well. His participation in negotiations with the music industry made iTunes the leader in legal music downloads. AT&T also got a chance to enjoy the negotiating style of Jobs when the iPhone came to its network.

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With Steve Jobs taking a leave of absence, several people will need to step up to the plate.

Now, with Steve Jobs taking a medical leave of absence, investors and tech fans are left to ponder the future of Apple. However, the company is not made up of one man entirely. There are five people who will most certainly keep Apple on the path that Steve Jobs has laid out. Find out a little about the men who will lead Apple for the foreseeable future. Continue ►