In an email sent out to Apple employees, CEO Steve Jobs has informed staff that the firm's board of directors have granted him medical leave.

Jobs, who previously had to have time off from the company in early 2009, has claimed he will officially continue as CEO, but COO Tim Cook will take over his daily duties.

Health concerns

"At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health," Jobs says in the email.

"I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company. 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."

Naturally, no details were given as the exact medical problems Jobs is currently suffering. Following on from his announcement of pancreatic cancer in 2004, during his last leave in early 2009, Apple revealed Jobs had a hormone imbalance. He later underwent a liver transplant.

"I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can," the email concludes.

"In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy."

[source: BusinessWire]