Apple CEO Steve Jobs To Take Months Of Medical Leave

January 14, 2009 6:18 p.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - Chief Executive Steve Jobs, widely viewed as the face of Apple, sent a letter to employees on Wednesday stating he is taking a medical leave of absence until the end of June.

Speculation of Jobs health has swirled in recent months and kicked up again in December when he withdrew from the Macworld conference, an event where Jobs had normally unveiled exciting new products.

Shortly after Macworld, Apple released a statement that Jobs weight loss was due to a hormone imbalance, helping quell fears of his deteriorating health.

Wednesday's statement now brings to light more serious health concerns that Jobs must address before trying to lead Apple again.

Jobs asked Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook to step into his role while on leave, according to the letter.

Along with health concerns, the move comes as Jobs wanted to remove the distraction of his health status.

"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," said Jobs.

Jobs ended the letter to employees by saying "I look forward to seeing all of you this summer."

Shares of Apple have sold off in afterhours trading, down 7.6 percent.