Apple Appoints Sabih Khan as Chief Operating Officer Amid Leadership Transit

Apple Inc. has announced the appointment of Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a significant leadership transition as longtime executive Jeff Williams prepares to retire later this year. The move, disclosed on July 9, 2025, positions Khan to oversee Apple’s global operations during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions and evolving supply chain dynamics.

Khan, a 30-year veteran at Apple, previously served as Senior Vice President of Operations. In this role, he was instrumental in managing Apple’s expansive supply chain, encompassing planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment. His leadership has been pivotal in ensuring the efficient delivery of Apple’s products to markets worldwide.

Born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, in 1966, Khan moved to Singapore during his school years before settling in the United States. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and economics from Tufts University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Prior to joining Apple in 1995, Khan worked at GE Plastics as an applications development engineer and technical leader.

Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Khan’s appointment, stating, “Sabih is a brilliant strategist and one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain. He has helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, expanded Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the United States, and ensured that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges.” Cook also highlighted Khan’s contributions to environmental sustainability, noting a more than 60% reduction in Apple’s carbon footprint under his leadership.

Jeff Williams, who has served as COO since 2015 and has been with Apple for nearly three decades, will continue to oversee the company’s design team and health initiatives until his retirement later this year. Williams has been a key figure in the development of major Apple products, including the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch, and was considered a potential successor to CEO Tim Cook.

Khan’s promotion comes at a time when Apple faces increasing pressure to diversify its manufacturing operations amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. The company has been working to shift some of its production to other countries, including India, to mitigate the impact of tariffs and supply chain disruptions. Khan’s expertise in supplier diversification and domestic production initiatives is expected to be critical in navigating these challenges.

As COO, Khan will report directly to Tim Cook and will be responsible for overseeing Apple’s global supply chain, ensuring product quality, and managing the company’s supplier responsibility programs. His appointment reflects Apple’s commitment to operational excellence and its focus on sustainability and innovation in manufacturing processes.

The leadership transition underscores Apple’s strategic emphasis on strengthening its operational resilience and adapting to the evolving global economic landscape. With Khan at the helm of operations, Apple aims to continue delivering high-quality products while addressing environmental concerns and geopolitical uncertainties.