Steve Jobs, Disney's largest individual stockholder, dies today

by Leah Zanolla
Oct 5, 2011

Steve Jobs, co-founder and former chief executive of Apple, died today, October 5, 2011. Jobs and his boyhood friend Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computer in 1976, creating the world's first personal computer. The Apple II was just the beginning, leading to the development of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, iMac and iTunes. Jobs bought Pixar Animation Studios in 1986 for $10 million, which was later purchased by Disney for $7.4 billion in stock. In 2006, Jobs joined the Walt Disney Co. Board of Directors as the largest individual shareholder of Disney stock.

Bob Iger, President and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, said, "Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an "original," with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time."

Jobs had battled a rare form of pancreatic cancer and due to health reasons, had recently stepped down as Apple's CEO. He leaves behind a wife, Laurene, and four children.

• News Source
• Subscribe to this News Feed
• Last Updated: Feb 8, 2012 - 9:40:38 AM