Successor to Jeff Williams: Apple announced on July 8, 2025, that long-time COO Jeff Williams will retire later this year, and Sabih Khan, currently Senior Vice President of Operations, will take over the COO role “later this month” as part of a planned succession
30-year Apple veteran: Khan has been with Apple since 1995, became SVP of Operations in 2019, and has overseen global supply chain functions, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and sustainability initiatives
Indian‑American background: Born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh in 1966, he studied economics and mechanical engineering at Tufts University, then earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
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Praised by Tim Cook: Apple’s CEO described him as “a brilliant strategist” and one of the “central architects” of Apple’s supply chain, acknowledging his leadership in advanced manufacturing, expansion of U.S. production, and cutting the company’s carbon footprint by over 60%
What This Means for Apple
Operational excellence: With Khan at the helm, Apple is well-placed to maintain its supply chain resilience and efficiency
Sustainability commitment: His track record strengthens Apple’s focus on eco-friendly manufacturing and reduced environmental impact
Manufacturing diversification: His experience supports Apple’s strategic shift to expand manufacturing beyond China—especially into India and the U.S.—in response to geopolitical trade risks
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Leadership Praise
Tim Cook calls him a “brilliant strategist” and “one of the central architects” of Apple’s supply chain
Jeff Williams, who worked closely with Khan for nearly 27 years, considers him “the most talented operations executive on the planet
DIGI MERCH STORE PRINT ON DEMAND
COO Transition & Strategic Context
Officially stepping into the COO role later in July 2025 as part of a planned succession
His appointment ensures stable leadership continuity, especially amid global trade uncertainties and Apple’s shift of iPhone production to India
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In Summary
Sabih Khan is a 30‑year Apple veteran whose deep operational and engineering expertise, sustainability vision, and leadership in global supply chain resilience make him a strong choice to guide Apple as its new COO. Feel free to ask if you’d like insights into his strategic priorities, how he compares with his predecessors, or what this means for Apple’s
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