Cupertino, July 9, 2025 – Apple Inc. has appointed Sabih Khan, a 59-year-old Indian-American executive with three decades of experience at the company, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Announced on July 8, 2025, Khan will succeed Jeff Williams later this month in a planned leadership transition, marking a significant milestone for the tech giant as it navigates challenges like slowing iPhone sales and U.S. tariff pressures. Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Khan as a “brilliant strategist” and a key architect of the company’s global supply chain, highlighting his contributions to innovation, sustainability, and operational agility. Below is an in-depth look at Khan’s background, career, and the impact of his appointment.
Early Life and Education
Sabih Khan was born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, a city known for its brass handicraft industry. At the age of 10, his family relocated to Singapore, where he spent his formative years before moving to the United States. Khan’s academic foundation reflects a blend of technical and economic expertise. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University, followed by a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York. This robust educational background equipped him with the skills to excel in both technical operations and strategic business management, setting the stage for his illustrious career.
Career Before Apple
Prior to joining Apple, Khan worked at GE Plastics (now SABIC), where he served as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader. His role involved developing technical solutions and managing client relationships, experiences that honed his ability to navigate complex operational challenges. These early roles laid the groundwork for his future contributions to Apple’s intricate supply chain and manufacturing processes.
Three Decades at Apple
Khan joined Apple in 1995 as part of the procurement group, beginning a 30-year journey that saw him rise through the ranks to become a pivotal figure in the company’s operations. His tenure coincided with Apple’s transformation into a global technology leader, and he played a critical role in delivering innovative products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac to market. In 2019, Khan was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, reporting to then-COO Jeff Williams. In this role, he oversaw Apple’s global supply chain, managing planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment.
Khan’s leadership extended to Apple’s supplier responsibility programs, which focus on protecting and educating workers at production facilities worldwide. He forged partnerships with green manufacturing suppliers, aligning with Apple’s environmental goals. Under his stewardship, Apple reduced its carbon footprint by over 60%, a milestone Tim Cook credited to Khan’s innovative approaches to advanced manufacturing and sustainability. Khan also spearheaded the expansion of Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the United States and enhanced the company’s ability to respond nimbly to global challenges, such as supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Appointment as Chief Operating Officer
On July 8, 2025, Apple announced Khan’s appointment as COO, succeeding Jeff Williams, who will transition to overseeing the company’s design team, Apple Watch, and health initiatives until his retirement later this year. The move is part of a long-planned succession strategy, with Williams, a 27-year Apple veteran, expressing confidence in Khan, stating, “He’s the most talented operations executive on the planet.” As COO, Khan will report directly to CEO Tim Cook and take on additional responsibilities, including oversight of AppleCare.
Tim Cook lauded Khan’s contributions, saying, “Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain. He has helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, expanded Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the United States, and helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges. Above all, Sabih leads with heart and values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.” Cook also highlighted Khan’s role in advancing Apple’s sustainability efforts, noting the significant reduction in the company’s carbon footprint.
The leadership transition comes at a critical juncture for Apple, which is grappling with slowing iPhone sales, regulatory pressures, and U.S. tariffs, particularly under President Donald Trump’s push for domestic manufacturing. Khan’s expertise in supply chain management positions him to lead Apple’s ongoing efforts to shift production from China to India and expand U.S.-based manufacturing, mitigating tariff impacts.
Significance of the Appointment
Khan’s elevation to COO is a landmark moment for Indian-origin executives in global technology. His journey from Moradabad to one of the highest-ranking positions at the world’s most valuable tech company underscores a blend of academic rigor, professional dedication, and strategic vision. His appointment has been widely celebrated, with posts on X describing it as a “smart move” and emphasizing Khan’s deep expertise in operations and supply chain management.
The transition also reflects Apple’s commitment to continuity and internal growth, as Khan’s 30-year tenure ensures a seamless handover from Williams. His focus on sustainability, worker welfare, and manufacturing innovation aligns with Apple’s long-term goals of ethical operations and environmental responsibility. As India emerges as a key market and manufacturing hub for Apple, Khan’s Indian roots add a layer of cultural significance to his role, potentially strengthening ties with the region.
Challenges and Outlook
As COO, Khan faces a complex landscape. Apple is navigating U.S.-China trade tensions, with President Trump’s recent push for domestic iPhone production and a threatened 25% import tax. Khan’s experience in diversifying Apple’s supply chain, including expanding production in India, will be critical. Additionally, he must address slowing iPhone sales and regulatory scrutiny while maintaining Apple’s reputation for quality and innovation. His track record of agility during global challenges, such as the pandemic, suggests he is well-equipped to tackle these issues.
Khan’s leadership style, described by Cook as rooted in “heart and values,” sets a tone of integrity and purpose. His ability to balance operational efficiency with ethical and environmental priorities will shape Apple’s trajectory in the coming years. As he steps into the COO role, Khan’s story—from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to the boardroom of a tech titan—inspires as a testament to perseverance and impact on a global stage.
Last Updated on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 4:20 pm by Lok Ram
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