Apple Inc. has named Sabih Khan, an Indian-origin executive and veteran leader within the company, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a significant leadership transition. Khan, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Operations, will officially take on the COO role later this month, succeeding Jeff Williams. Williams, who has been Apple’s COO since 2015, will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook and oversee the Apple Watch and design teams until his planned retirement later this year. Upon Williams’ retirement, the design team will report directly to Cook.
Khan’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as India grows in importance to Apple’s global operations — both as a crucial market and a major manufacturing base. With nearly three decades at Apple, Khan has been instrumental in shaping the company’s global supply chain, advancing supplier responsibility initiatives, and strengthening operational strategies that support the delivery of Apple’s flagship products.
Born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Khan spent part of his schooling in Singapore before moving to 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 (RPI). He began his professional journey at GE Plastics before joining Apple in 1995 as part of the procurement team.
Throughout his career at Apple, Khan has led major developments in sustainable operations and advanced manufacturing. Under his leadership, Apple significantly reduced its carbon footprint — a feat recognized by CEO Tim Cook. “Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain,” Cook said. “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.”
Cook also praised Khan’s commitment to environmental sustainability, highlighting his role in reducing the company’s carbon emissions by more than 60 percent. As Apple navigates a rapidly evolving global tech landscape, Khan’s leadership is expected to play a critical role in shaping the company’s future operational success.
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