Apple Needs a Succession Plan -- Fast

When Apple (AAPL Quote) announced on Dec. 16 that Philip Schiller, the company's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, would deliver the keynote speech at this week's Macworld conference instead of CEO Steve Jobs, speculation swirled again about the future of the company -- and Jobs's health.

(Updates: "Macworld Exit Opens New Doors for Apple" and "Crabby Apple Fans Unimpressed by Macworld")

Jobs disclosed in August 2004 that he had a cancerous tumor removed from his pancreas. Observers at recent Apple events reported that the visionary technologist appeared gaunt. Adding fuel to the fire, Apple also announced that it would not be participating in future Macworlds, saying, "Trade shows have become a very minor part of how Apple reaches its customers."

Responding to questions about his health, Jobs said in a Jan. 5 open letter that he was suffering from a hormone imbalance that was "robbing" his body of nutrients. He also noted that he is receiving treatment and will remain CEO of Apple. "I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our board of directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple's CEO," stated the letter. ...