Today is Tim Cook's first (official) day as Apple CEO, and one of his first actions as the new Chief Executive Officer was to assure his Apple compatriots that the Cupertino firm won't be changing just because Jobs is no longer at the helm. In an email sent to Apple employees this morning and obtained by Ars Technica, Cook says that he is "looking forward to the amazing opportunity of serving as CEO of the most innovative company in the world" and that "joining Apple was the best decision [he's] ever made." He goes on to assure the recipients that "Apple is not going to change" and that he believes that Apple's "best years lie ahead." The full email is available down below.

The decision to appoint Tim Cook as Apple's new CEO doesn't come as much of a shock considering that he's been running the day-to-day operations of the company during Steve Jobs's leave of absence. Still, it'll be interesting to watch Apple's upcoming iPhone event, a gathering that Jobs would likely have hosted, just to see how Cook and Co. run things post-resignation. Now that we've all had some time to digest Jobs's decision and Cook's appointment, what do you all think of Apple's new CEO?

"Team:

I am looking forward to the amazing opportunity of serving as CEO of the most innovative company in the world. Joining Apple was the best decision I've ever made and it's been the privilege of a lifetime to work for Apple and Steve for over 13 years. I share Steve's optimism for Apple's bright future.

Steve has been an incredible leader and mentor to me, as well as to the entire executive team and our amazing employees. We are really looking forward to Steve's ongoing guidance and inspiration as our Chairman.

I want you to be confident that Apple is not going to change. I cherish and celebrate Apple's unique principles and values. Steve built a company and culture that is unlike any other in the world and we are going to stay true to that—it is in our DNA. We are going to continue to make the best products in the world that delight our customers and make our employees incredibly proud of what they do.

I love Apple and I am looking forward to diving into my new role. All of the incredible support from the Board, the executive team and many of you has been inspiring. I am confident our best years lie ahead of us and that together we will continue to make Apple the magical place that it is.

Tim"

Via Ars Technica