Apple has officially appointed Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), replacing Jeff Williams, who is set to retire later this year. As the IT giant prepares for a new era of global manufacturing strategies, sustainability efforts, and operational resilience, the announcement signifies a massive internal reorganization.
At the end of July 2025, Khan, an Apple veteran, will take on the new position. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, calls him the “central architect” of the company’s operational excellence, and many recognize him for his proficiency in overseeing Apple’s worldwide supply chain.
A Strategic Succession Plan
The change in leadership at Apple occurs at a critical time. The business’s operations must continue to be resilient and flexible in the face of geopolitical unrest, changing trade regulations, and an increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability. Jeff Williams, who has served as COO since 2015 and was once considered Tim Cook’s potential successor, will remain briefly to facilitate a seamless transition before fully stepping down in 2025.
“Sabih is a brilliant and humble leader,” Tim Cook said in a company statement. “He’s been instrumental in building Apple’s world-class operations team and supply chain. His values, dedication, and deep expertise make him the perfect person to carry the role forward.”
Who is Sabih Khan?
After receiving his early schooling in Singapore, Sabih Khan—who was born in Moradabad, India, in 1966—moved to the United States. He has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and two bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University.
Khan began working for Apple in 1995 and has been in charge of several facets of the company’s supply chain operations for the past thirty years. He most recently held the position of Senior Vice President of Operations, where he oversaw Apple’s global production, logistics, and procurement activities.
Under his leadership, Apple doubled down on sustainability, increased production in India, and extended its manufacturing capabilities in the US. Thanks in large part to Khan’s efforts in environmental innovation and energy efficiency throughout Apple’s supply chain, the business has cut its carbon footprint by more than 60%.
What’s Next for Apple’s Operations?
There are a number of opportunities and problems associated with Khan’s promotion to COO. Apple is under pressure to diversify its production and lessen its reliance on Chinese manufacture as a result of the rising trade tensions worldwide, especially between the United States and China. Khan has already been instrumental in Apple’s expansion into India, a market for sales, services, and manufacturing.
Khan will be in charge of supply chain planning, logistics, worldwide operations, and AppleCare in his new position. His appointment is expected to accelerate Apple’s shift toward more ethical and sustainable procurement practices.
Meanwhile, Jeff Williams will stay on for a transitional period and continue to oversee Apple’s health initiatives and design operations. Interestingly, after his full departure, Apple’s design team will report directly to Tim Cook—a move that analysts see as reinforcing Cook’s hands-on leadership style.
A Quiet but Critical Power Shift
The hiring marks a major turning point in Apple’s corporate development, even though it might not have the glitz of a product launch. Often said to be “quietly effective,” Sabih Khan exemplifies Apple’s philosophy of internal promotions and preserving operational excellence without needless interruption.
According to industry experts, Khan’s calm leadership style and in-depth understanding of Apple’s fundamental operations could assist the company in managing some of the most important issues facing the tech sector today, such as supply chain resilience and climate responsibility.
With this calculated move, Apple shows that it intends to stay agile, progressive, and dedicated to its principles—elements that Sabih Khan has personified during his lengthy and significant career.
