Apple gets gay CEO

The big announcement regarding the resignation of Apple CEO Steve Jobs immediately led to interest in the replacement of the often considered ‘irreplacable’ tech wizard.

Tim Cook, a man outed as gay, was named CEO today – news that many had expected should Jobs finally leave his position at the head of the company.

Cook has been touted as ‘the most powerful gay man in Silicon Valley’ but also ‘famously quiet and collected’ and ‘as reticent to acknowledge his sexual orientation as he has his prowess in overseeing the company supply chain,’ according to website Gawker.

Apple said the switch of CEO was made during a meeting of the board of directors, and that Jobs had specifically advocated for Cook as his replacement.

Cook had previously been COO, overseeing sales, operations and the supply chain.

He was named No. 1 in Out magazine’s “Power 50” in May.

“The board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” said Apple board spokesman Art Levinson.

“Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”

Jobs has faced recurring health issues that meant lengthy absences from the company. Many tech observers had been expecting his resignation for months.

The question is now what it will mean having a gay man holding the reins to one of the world’s most powerful and profitable companies.