USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Apple has made a big leadership shift, hiring longtime executive Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). The shift comes as Jeff Williams, who has been COO since 2015, is planning to step down later this month. Although Williams will step back from regular operations at the company, he will still play a key role by working on Apple Watch, the design team, and health-related initiatives while reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. Accordingly, Sabih Khan, an Indian-origin executive born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, in 1966, brings with him nearly 30 years of experience at Apple.
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Khan currently oversees Apple’s global supply chain and operations and has been a key figure behind many of the company’s most complex logistics and manufacturing strategies. Jeff Williams, who worked closely with Khan for nearly three decades, also expressed confidence in the new COO. “Sabih is the most talented operations executive I’ve ever worked with,” Williams said. “I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with him for 27 years, and I can say without hesitation that Apple’s leadership remains in very capable hands.”
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Khan’s promotion is seen as a natural step in Apple’s long-term planning. In a statement released with the announcement, Tim Cook described Khan as a “brilliant strategist” and praised his leadership in shaping Apple’s supply chain. “He has helped pioneer advanced manufacturing technologies, expanded our US manufacturing efforts, and made sure Apple could respond quickly to global challenges,” Cook said. “He’s also led major progress on our environmental goals, helping cut our carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. But what truly sets Sabih apart is how he leads—with integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to Apple’s values.”
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Global origins and technical skill define Khan’s rise to the top of one of the world’s most powerful technology businesses. He relocated from India to Singapore with his family while still in school and then continued higher studies in the United States. He has dual bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and economics from Tufts University, as well as a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Prior to joining Apple in 1995, Khan worked for GE Plastics as an applications development engineer and technical leader for large clients. During his time at GE, he established the foundation for engineering and global operations, which he subsequently brought to Apple.
Khan’s contributions to Apple’s operations have helped the business expand its manufacturing footprint and strengthen its supply chain. In 2019, he was elevated to Senior Vice President of Operations and was publicly recognized for his contribution. He was in charge of product planning, sourcing, logistics, quality assurance, and fulfillment. He also led Apple’s supplier responsibility initiatives, which prioritize worker well-being and environmental requirements throughout the company’s extensive network of manufacturing partners.
Khan’s hiring comes at a time when India is emerging as an increasingly crucial part of Apple’s worldwide strategy, not just as a vital consumer market but also as a burgeoning manufacturing hub. With Apple’s production facilities spreading across India, Khan’s Indian roots and experience are likely to assist in extending the company’s investment and footprint there. As Apple embarks on its next chapter, Sabih Khan’s elevation indicates a continuous emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. With decades of expertise and a thorough grasp of Apple’s culture and procedures, Khan now takes on one of the most important leadership positions in the company’s global operations.
