Apple has appointed Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), replacing longtime executive Jeff Williams in a long-planned leadership transition, the tech giant announced on July 8, 2025.
With over 30 years at Apple, Khan has been pivotal in developing the company’s global supply chain and operational excellence. Here’s how a young boy from Moradabad, India, rose to one of the top executive positions at one of the world’s most valuable companies.
A Veteran at Apple Since 1995
Khan, 58, is currently Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations. In this role, he oversees the company’s worldwide supply chain, supplier responsibility initiatives, and operations teams. He joined Apple’s procurement organization in 1995 after starting his career at GE Plastics, where he worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader.
Official Transition from Jeff Williams
According to Apple’s official statement:
“Apple today announced Jeff Williams will transition his role as chief operating officer later this month to Sabih Khan, Apple’s senior vice president of Operations, as part of a long-planned succession,”
Although Khan will assume the COO title later this month, Jeff Williams will remain at Apple for a few more months, continuing to oversee the design team and Apple Watch. Once Williams retires, Apple’s design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook.
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Early Life and Education: From Moradabad to the U.S.
Sabih Khan was born in 1966 in Moradabad, Western Uttar Pradesh. During his school years, his family relocated to Singapore and later settled in the United States.
Khan pursued higher education with a strong technical and business foundation. He holds a dual bachelor’s degree in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University, and a master’s in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York.
His Role in Apple’s Operations Strategy
Since his promotion to Senior Vice President of Operations in 2019, Khan has reported directly to Jeff Williams. During his tenure, he has:
- Led supply chain transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Partnered with eco-conscious suppliers
- Helped bring Apple’s most groundbreaking products to market
- Played a key role in building Apple’s environmentally responsible manufacturing practices
Apple’s website credits Khan as being central in defining the company’s global operational strategy.
A Leadership Style Driven by Values
Tim Cook praised Khan’s leadership style, saying:
“Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional Chief Operating Officer.”
Conclusion
Sabih Khan’s appointment marks a new chapter for Apple’s leadership, continuing the company’s tradition of operational excellence. From his roots in India to becoming the COO of Apple, Khan’s journey reflects not just professional achievement but also global inspiration.
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