Apple has named Sabih Khan, an Indian-origin executive with nearly 30 years at the company, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He will take over from Jeff Williams later this month, who will retire by the end of the year after a 27-year-long stint at the tech giant.
The leadership change is part of a long-planned succession. Williams will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook and oversee Apple’s design team and health initiatives until his retirement. Post his exit, the design team will report directly to Cook.
Jeff Williams’ legacy
Williams has been credited with several key milestones at Apple, including the creation of a robust global supply chain, leading the launch of Apple Watch, and developing the company’s health strategy.
“Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him. He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple’s health strategy; and led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
“I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship. Jeff’s true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he’s created and, while he’ll be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands,” he added.
Williams, who also played a key role in Apple’s iPod and iPhone programs, said: “I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime, and I can’t thank Tim enough for the opportunity, his inspirational leadership, and our friendship over the years.”
“June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years and I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership in this role.”
Sabih Khan steps in
Sabih Khan has been part of Apple’s executive team since 2019, serving as Senior Vice President of Operations. He has overseen Apple’s global supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and supplier responsibility programs. Under his leadership, Apple has reduced its carbon footprint by over 60 percent and expanded its manufacturing base in the United States.
“Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain,” said Tim Cook. “While overseeing Apple’s supply chain, he has helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, overseen the expansion of Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the United States, and helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges. He has advanced our ambitious efforts in environmental sustainability, helping reduce Apple’s carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.”
Khan, who joined Apple in 1995 after working at GE Plastics, holds bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
His elevation to the COO role comes as Apple attempts to diversify its manufacturing supply chain and shift a portion of its operations to India, amid ongoing US-China trade tensions and tariff challenges.
