Google’s Leadership Shake-Up
Apple has officially elevated long-time operations veteran Sabih Khan to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). He’ll succeed Jeff Williams, who is set to retire later this year, as part of Apple’s long-planned leadership transition
Table of Contents
Who is Sabih Khan?
- Thirty-year Apple veteran: Joined in 1995 as a procurement specialist and rose through the ranks .
- SVP of Operations since 2019: Oversaw Apple’s global supply chain, manufacturing, quality, logistics, and environmental programs.
- Indian-American roots: Born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, raised partly in Singapore before moving to the U.S.
- Academic credentials: Holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from Tufts University, plus a master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Why Apple Chose Him
- Described by CEO Tim Cook as a “brilliant strategist” and a “central architect” of Apple’s supply chain success.
- Led Apple’s green manufacturing efforts, reducing its carbon footprint by over 60%, and helped ramp up U.S. production—including iPhones via Indian plants—to counter trade risks.
- Guided Apple through supply chaos during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing resilience and logistical excellence .
- Praised by Jeff Williams as “the most talented operations executive on the planet,” reflecting 27 years of collaboration
What This Change Means
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Operations Continuity | Khan will take the reins of Apple’s global supply chain and manufacturing, ensuring smooth operations amid geopolitical and pandemic challenges (www.ndtv.com). |
| Design & Health Oversight | Williams will continue overseeing Apple’s design studio, Apple Watch, and health initiatives until retirement, after which design strategy will report directly to Tim Cook . |
| Global Manufacturing Shift | With U.S. trade pressures, Khan’s experience ramping stocks in India and America will be vital to Apple’s evolving manufacturing footprint . |
Leadership Reactions
- Tim Cook: “Sabih leads with his heart and values… an exceptional COO.”
- Jeff Williams: “I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership.”
- Industry outlets emphasize Apple’s smooth internal succession and strategic focus amid trade uncertainties
Final Thoughts
Sabih Khan’s rise to COO highlights not just a personnel change, but a strategic recommitment to global supply resilience, green manufacturing, and operational excellence. With a 30-year history of navigating challenges and achieving breakthroughs, he is ideally positioned to guide Apple into its next phase—especially as it shifts some iPhone production to India and expands its global manufacturing infrastructure.