CUPERTINO (California)– Apple has appointed Indian-origin executive Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a major leadership transition at the tech giant. Khan succeeds longtime COO Jeff Williams, who will step down this month and retire later this year.
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for Apple, which is navigating a challenging global landscape—including slowing iPhone sales and ongoing tariff issues.
Williams, a 27-year veteran at Apple, will continue to oversee the company’s design and health initiatives until his retirement. Afterward, Apple’s design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook.
Cook praised Williams as a key driver of Apple’s success, highlighting his role in launching the Apple Watch, shaping Apple’s health strategy, leading the design team, and building one of the most efficient supply chains in the world.
Sabih Khan, who joined Apple in 2019 as Senior Vice President of Operations, has been instrumental in managing the company’s global supply chain, procurement, and manufacturing. In his new role as COO, Khan will report directly to Tim Cook and is expected to take on broader responsibilities, including oversight of AppleCare.
“Sabih is a brilliant strategist and a key architect of Apple’s supply chain,” Cook said in a statement. “He’s helped introduce advanced manufacturing technologies, expand our production footprint in the U.S., and make Apple more agile in responding to global challenges.”
Cook also lauded Khan’s leadership in environmental sustainability, noting that Apple has reduced its carbon footprint by over 60% thanks in part to Khan’s efforts.
Khan’s promotion also comes as Apple intensifies efforts to diversify its manufacturing base, shifting some production from China to India in a bid to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs.
Khan holds degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University, as well as a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. (Source: IANS)
