Sabih Khan named Apple COO as Jeff Williams plans exit in leadership reshuffle

In a major shift within its leadership team, Apple has appointed Sabih Khan as the new Chief Operating Officer, taking over from Jeff Williams. This transition marks a significant milestone in the company’s history, as Khan, a veteran with 30 years at Apple, steps into the role later this month. Khan, who has been serving as Senior Vice President of Operations, will take the reins as Williams prepares to retire at the end of the year. Williams has had a profound impact on Apple, particularly in shaping the company’s global supply chain, health technology, and design vision. In a heartfelt statement, Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Williams for his invaluable contributions, saying, "Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him." Cook highlighted Williams's role in establishing one of the world's most respected supply chains, the launch and development of the Apple Watch, and his influence on the company's health strategy. He expressed gratitude for Williams’s friendship and the legacy he leaves behind, noting that the future is in capable hands with Khan taking over. Describing Khan as a brilliant strategist, Cook emphasized his pivotal role in Apple's supply chain management. Khan has been instrumental in pioneering advanced manufacturing technologies, expanding Apple’s manufacturing presence in the U.S., and ensuring the company remains agile in the face of global challenges. His commitment to environmental sustainability has also seen Apple reduce its carbon footprint by over 60%. Khan's journey at Apple began in 1995, following his previous role at GE Plastics. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. As SVP of Operations since 2019, he has overseen key areas including product quality, logistics, and environmental initiatives. Meanwhile, Jeff Williams will continue to work alongside Cook until his retirement, maintaining oversight of the Apple Watch and the design team during this transition. Williams has been credited with enhancing Apple’s supply chain infrastructure across various regions, including China, India, and the U.S., and was a key figure in the development of the iPod and iPhone. Reflecting on his time at Apple, Williams expressed his deep affection for the company and gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals. With a career spanning 27 years at Apple and 40 years in the industry, he looks forward to spending more time with family, including his grandchildren. He also conveyed his confidence in Khan, calling him the most talented operations executive and expressing optimism for Apple's future under his leadership.