Jobs Considering the CEO Title at Apple

Apple Computer Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs, interim chief executive of the struggling company, said he is considering dropping the interim from his title. While addressing a Macromedia Inc. users conference in San Francisco, Jobs was asked by an attendee when he would drop the interim from his title. Jobs said that it was something he is considering and that he is preparing to go on vacation in Hawaii, where he plans to “walk on the beach” and “think about it.” Jobs was not available for further comment afterward. Cupertino-based Apple has been searching since July for a chief executive to replace Gil Amelio, who was ousted by the board after he failed to turn around the troubled computer company. Jobs said at the time that he wanted to remain as chairman and chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios and was not interested in becoming CEO of Apple. Last month, however, he was named interim CEO while the board continues to interview candidates for the post. Analysts said Apple faces some problems in its search for a CEO because a new chief executive may fear having to report to Jobs. “Most of us, the more we look at the situation--even those of us who have had disagreements with him [Jobs] in the past--have come to see that maybe he is the only guy who can save [Apple],” said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies. Apple stock added 25 cents to close at $21.75 on Nasdaq.