Gil Amelio and Ellen Hancock leave Apple Computer

Apple Computer CEO Gil Amelio and Chief Technology Officer Ellen Hancock resigned today, in a move that surprised many analysts. Chief Financial Office Fred Anderson will assume additional duties while the company searches for a new CEO. Additionally, Steve Jobs will “assume an expanded role as a key advisor to Apple’s board and executive management team,” according to the company.

Next Wednesday, Apple Computer will announce its quarterly results, which is expected to be a $70 million loss. Anderson said the company was unhappy with recent financial results and the board discussed this with Amelio, who then resigned. Amelio has faced constant criticism since he joined Apple over a year ago, most notably for dropping $430 million on NeXT, Inc and their retired operating system.