Apple's CEO will not be attending Apple's 2009 annual shareholder meeting, the first time he has done so since returning to the helm of the company in 1997. Bloomberg reported that Apple confirmed Mr. Jobs will not be attending, citing his medical leave of absence. The meeting will be held February 25th, and The Mac Observer will be attending the event.
Questions about the health of Mr. Jobs have been the focus of media attention on the event, with Bloomberg following up its January 16th report that Mr. Jobs was considering a liver transplant with a detailed report today about the history of Apple's board of directors and the concern that some have over Apple's disclosure concerning its CEO's health.
"The company has a responsibility to let public shareholders know that the organizational structure will be sound if Steve Jobs has to leave for any reason," Apple investor Ryan Jacob, head of the Jacob Internet Fund, told Bloomberg.
Shares in Apple tumbled Monday in the midst of a broad tech sell-off and continuing angst in the financial markets. The stock closed at US$86.95, down $4.25 (-4.66%) in moderate volume.
*In the interest of full disclosure, the author holds a small share in AAPL stock that was not an influence in the creation of this article.