Who is Apple's New COO, Sabih Khan?

Apple has confirmed that Sabih Khan will become Chief Operating Officer (COO) later this month, following a "long-planned succession" and marking a leadership transition within the company’s executive ranks. 

Jeff Williams, who has served in the role since 2015, remains with the business through the end of the year, continuing to report to CEO Tim Cook and overseeing both the Apple Watch division and the design team.

When Jeff officially retires, the design function will shift directly under the management of the CEO.

The change reflects Apple’s intention to maintain continuity within its operations leadership during a period marked by global manufacturing and supply chain complexity.

From engineer to operations executive

Sabih Khan first joined Apple in 1995. He enters the new role after more than 30 years with the company and after six years as Senior Vice President (SVP) of Operations. 

During his time as SVP, Sabih has managed the company’s global supply chain, overseeing product planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics and fulfilment.

He has also led Apple’s supplier responsibility programmes. These initiatives are aimed at protecting and educating workers across Apple's production facilities worldwide, ensuring ethical practices remain integrated across the supply network.

Sabih has also guided Apple through operational adaptations to evolving challenges in global trade, logistics and component sourcing. 

According to Tim Cook: "Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain.

“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."

His background in both engineering and economics, holding degrees in both disciplines from Tufts University, alongside a Master's degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has supported his operational approach. 

He previously worked as an Applications Development Engineer at GE Plastics before joining Apple’s procurement group.

Supply chain, manufacturing and sustainability

A defining aspect of Sabih’s leadership has been environmental stewardship, a focus increasingly central to manufacturing operations worldwide. 

Under his tenure, Apple’s operations team has cut its carbon footprint by 60%. 

That figure has been achieved by integrating sustainability into every stage of Apple's supply chain, partnering with suppliers that align with the company’s commitments to sustainable manufacturing and resource efficiency.

Sabih’s new role puts him at the helm of Apple’s operations at a time when manufacturing ecosystems face shifting regulatory landscapes, rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty. 

His direct experience across all facets of Apple’s operational network is expected to help the company manage these risks while keeping manufacturing and product delivery on track.

The career of Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams' departure closes a chapter in Apple’s executive history. After 27 years with the company, he steps down with a legacy built around engineering discipline, manufacturing scale and international expansion.

"Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember and Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him,” says Tim.

Jeff helped establish Apple’s global supply chain structure and played a central role in developing the company’s presence in major regions, including the United States, China, India, Japan and Southeast Asia. 

His influence shaped Apple's efforts around supplier responsibility, supporting worker training and education programmes at supplier facilities.

He also took leadership of the Apple Watch project over 10 years ago, tying it to the company's broader health strategy. His earlier contributions include work on iPod and iPhone development.

Reflecting on his career, Jeff says: “I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime.

“June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting.”

Strategic continuity through transition

The leadership handover is part of Apple’s wider operational strategy, ensuring stability during a time when the company continues to expand its manufacturing footprint and meet environmental targets across its global operations.

Sabih's knowledge of procurement, production and logistics gives Apple a foundation to manage complexity across supply routes, manufacturing partners and sustainability metrics.

While Jeff remains in his current post for the remainder of the year, Sabih’s appointment confirms Apple’s approach to long-term leadership planning.