The exciting part is that there are so many _potential_ worthy successors even when Jobs leaves. The same can't be said of many companies with rockstar CEOs.
Steve Jobs's eye for talent is just as keen as his eye for design. It's an absolutely critical skill and has been an essential component of Apple's success. It's also a skill that too often goes unappreciated. Unlike most rockstar CEOs, he doesn't surround himself with people he can dominate and control.
Indeed, the story of Jony Ive reflects this: toiling in relative obscurity before Jobs' return, Steve immediately recognizes his talent and promotes him aggressively.
