THE world’s business and media community was shocked last week when Steve Jobs announced his resignation.

The Apple boss, who stepped down amid fears over his health, has been credited with changing peoples’ lives with his technical innovations.

Billed as the “Michelangelo of the digital age” Jobs has created one of the world’s most successful companies and his resignation marks the end of a booming era. Share prices fell as his decision to remove himself as chief executive filtered across the markets, and headlines asked: “What does it mean for Apple?”.

The discussions have been frenzied and opinions voiced for what the loss of Jobs will mean for product development and corporate culture.

Make no mistake, it won’t be plain sailing without Jobs.

The loss of any founder often has an impact on a brand, and Apple has definitely lost a leader with unrivalled vigour and charisma.

His actions have had a remarkable impact on the world of design, marketing, entrepreneurship and leadership.

He is one of the most insightful business speakers and Apple’s most powerful marketing tool.

When he speaks, consumers listen and believe.

You only have to look to Apple product launches to gauge how successful it is when he takes to the stage.

All is not lost, however.

While the power of founders is all too often linked to a brand’s long-term success, there are many examples of companies who have continued to thrive without their creator.

TakeŠLastminute, Google, YouTube and Starbucks, for example.

The good news for Apple is that the product road map is likely to be in place for the next three years, buying some much-needed time as it prepares to bid farewell to its master of design.

One thing’s for sure, the transition will be one of the most keenly watched in recent years, as Apple looks to replace its iconic leader.

INTERNET entrepreneur Ben Hatton is founder and managing director of Liverpool agency Rippleffect. Link to Rippleffect on Twitter @rippleffected