In some regards it seems as though Steve "is" the company, in the fact that without him Apple's stock would fall dramatically. He has become too much the figurehead of the company, to the point at which some people view him as the main motivator of the companies success. In a way they are correct. Steve Jobs is first and foremost a salesman, and a great one at that. Without his salesmanship and charisma, the company would likely struggle. It is therefore no surprise that Apple wants to slowly shift him out of the limelight. If his health takes a turn for the worse, they will be left in a difficult position.
