Apple Names Steve Jobs Interim Ceo

Apple Computer Inc. on Tuesday formally named Steve Jobs as interim chief executive and disclosed it may not find a permanent leader until the end of the year - six months from Gil Amelio’s July 9 ouster from the job.

Jobs, the legendary co-founder of Apple, has been acting as CEO since Amelio’s departure two months ago created a power vacuum that raised fresh questions about the computer company’s ability to survive.

The appointment renewed speculation that Jobs, who has said he doesn’t want the position, would wind up as CEO after all.

Apple stock rose 2 percent following the announcement amid a broad rally on Wall Street. It gained 43-3/4 cents to close at $21.93-3/4 a share on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Apple said the appointment merely reflected Jobs’ expanded responsibilities since he rejoined the company as an adviser late last year. Despite lacking an executive position, Jobs has made dramatic decisions to try to ensure Apple’s survival, including a surprise alliance with Microsoft Corp. and a big shift away from cloning cheap versions of the Macintosh. Jobs was named to Apple’s board last month as part of a revamping of company directors.

The company had said at the time of Amelio’s departure it expected its search to take about three months, but the hunt started anew after the board restructured.

Still, Tuesday’s news suggested to some industry observers that Apple was having trouble attracting candidates to the top post.