I just read an article on CNN that highlighted 11 people that could take Steve Jobs place, just in case something happened to Jobs. It kinda annoyed me. Just because we are seeing the departure of Gates, does it mean all the guards need to be changed?
Steve Jobs has only been in his current role for a few years after getting ousted by John Sculley in 85. Steve Jobs came back in 96 and brought some great ideas with him. Apples’ market share rose more in the last few years than it has since the creation of the new Apple Macintosh line.
Apple is in a good position. There is no need to think about replacing someone who is producing. He’s not giving the company a black eye or causing issue within the ranks, so why even talk about it?
On the other hand, it’s always important to think about the future. You never know who’s gonna get hit by a bus. Heck – even Ballmer could go (God forbid) the day after Gates retires and it could force Bill to go back to work again.
I could think of other names that should be considered in replacing. Of course, we may be seeing one of those names go in about a week. Everyone’s time comes to pass the reins. It’s not Steve Jobs time yet. As the song goes – He’s only just begun.