Apple Inc. has announced the appointment of Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeding Jeff Williams, who is set to retire later this year after nearly three decades with the company. This leadership change marks a significant moment for the tech giant as it navigates evolving global challenges and reinforces its commitment to operational excellence.
Khan, 58, brings over 30 years of experience at Apple, having joined the company in 1995. Prior to his promotion, he served as Senior Vice President of Operations, where he was instrumental in managing Apple’s global supply chain, ensuring product quality, and overseeing planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment functions. His leadership has been pivotal in establishing partnerships with green manufacturing suppliers and advancing Apple’s environmental initiatives.
Born in Moradabad, India, and later relocating to Singapore and the United States, Khan’s educational background includes dual bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and economics from Tufts University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Before joining Apple, he worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader at GE Plastics.
Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Khan as a “brilliant strategist” and highlighted his role in navigating challenges such as those posed during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Sabih leads with heart and values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer,” Cook stated. “He helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges.”
Jeff Williams, who has been with Apple since 1998 and served as COO since 2015, played a key role in the development of revolutionary Apple products such as the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch. He was considered a potential successor to CEO Tim Cook. Williams will continue to oversee design and Apple’s health initiatives, including a revamped AI-powered Health app, until his retirement. Once he retires, Apple’s design team will report directly to Tim Cook.
Khan’s promotion comes at a time when Apple faces growing global supply chain challenges, increasing pressure from US-China trade tensions, and fresh tariffs under President Donald Trump’s economic policies. His expertise in supplier diversification and domestic production initiatives is expected to be critical in safeguarding the company from tariff risks and maintaining product availability in key markets.
As COO, Khan is expected to ensure continuity and innovation in Apple’s operations, guiding the company into its next phase of growth and sustainability. His appointment reflects Apple’s tradition of internal promotions and underscores the company’s focus on strengthening its operational resilience amid growing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
