CUPERTINO, Calif. (Diya TV) — Apple Inc. has appointed Indian American tech veteran Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Khan, who has worked with the company for nearly 30 years, will replace longtime executive Jeff Williams later this month. The leadership change comes as Apple navigates global supply chain challenges, slowing iPhone sales, and tariff-related issues.
Khan, currently the company’s Senior Vice President of Operations, will report directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Sabih Khan’s promotion marks a major leadership transition at Apple. Jeff Williams, the outgoing COO, has served in the role since 2015. He played a crucial role in building Apple’s world-class supply chain, launching the Apple Watch, and leading the company’s health and design initiatives.
Williams will continue to lead Apple’s design team and health projects until his retirement later this year. Afterward, the design team will report directly to Tim Cook. In a statement, Cook praised both leaders. He described Williams as “a key figure in Apple’s success” and called Khan “a brilliant strategist” who has helped Apple adapt to global challenges.
Sabih Khan was born in 1966 in Moradabad, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India. He moved to Singapore at the age of 10 and later attended Tufts University in the United States. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and mechanical engineering. He also holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Khan began his career at GE Plastics, now part of SABIC, where he worked in application development and technical leadership. He joined Apple in 1995 and has spent the past three decades playing a key role in the company’s operations.
In 2019, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations. Since then, Khan has overseen Apple’s global supply chain, including procurement, logistics, and product fulfillment. He has also been responsible for product quality and supplier responsibility efforts.
Apple credits Khan with helping the company become more flexible and resilient. Cook noted that Khan “leads with heart and values” and has shown exceptional leadership in expanding Apple’s U.S. manufacturing efforts. Khan has worked to form alliances with suppliers focused on green manufacturing. His efforts have helped reduce Apple’s carbon footprint by over 60 percent.
He also introduced advanced manufacturing methods and technologies, earning him recognition within the industry. Beyond the numbers, Khan has focused on worker rights and safety. Under his leadership, Apple has strengthened its supplier responsibility programs. These initiatives protect and educate workers at manufacturing sites around the world.
As COO, Khan will assume broader responsibilities, including oversight of AppleCare. He is expected to continue refining the company’s global operations while addressing key challenges in the tech sector. The appointment comes at a crucial time for Apple. The company faces growing pressure to diversify its manufacturing base and manage geopolitical uncertainties. Industry analysts believe Khan’s deep knowledge of Apple’s operations makes him well-equipped for the job.
His promotion also highlights Apple’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing. Khan’s work in these areas reflects the company’s long-term goals in environmental and social responsibility.
Sabih Khan’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for Apple’s leadership team. With decades of experience and a strong track record, he is set to shape the company’s future in critical areas like supply chain resilience, sustainability, and global expansion. As Apple continues to evolve in a competitive tech landscape, Khan’s leadership will likely play a key role in driving innovation and operational excellence.
