Tim Cook
succeeds Steve Jobs as CEO of Apple
for PinkNews.co.uk
25 august 2011, 12:18am
Tim Cook, appointed chief
executive of Apple today, following the resignation of Steve Jobs, has in the
past been described as the “most powerful gay man in Silicon Valley.”
Although Mr Cook has never
spoken publicly about his sexuality, he has never denied the claim that he is
gay.
Mr Jobs resigned as CEO of
Apple after a period of medical leave. In his resignation letter he said “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.”
He added: “As far as my
successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and
name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.”
Mr Cook, took over while Mr
Jobs took medical leave in January and has become an increasingly important
public figure.
At the time, Valleyrag
reported: “Cook. . . has been as reticent to acknowledge his sexual orientation
as he has his prowess in overseeing the company supply chain. But as Jobs fades
back, and as his absences grow more prolonged and uncertain, Cook will become,
by necessity, a public figure.”
The website said it had been
told by “two well-placed sources” that Cook is gay and that his sexuality has
been the topic of at least some discussion within the company.
Some executives were said to
be happy to encourage him to come out, but were concerned about whether it
would “impact the perception of the Apple brand”.