Steve Jobs’s official title at Apple after returning as an adviser in 1997 was interim CEO.
Apple acquired NeXT in late 1996, bringing Jobs back to the company he had co-founded. At first, he served as an adviser to chairman and chief executive Gilbert Amelio. After Amelio resigned in July 1997, Jobs took effective control of Apple’s operations.
Jobs initially used the title “interim CEO,” often shortened to iCEO. The word “interim” reflected the fact that Apple’s board was still considering its long-term leadership structure. He removed the qualifier in 2000, becoming Apple’s permanent chief executive.
During the interim period, Jobs simplified Apple’s product strategy, cancelled several projects, and recruited senior designers and executives. His return preceded the introduction of products such as the iMac, which helped restore Apple’s financial and cultural momentum.