Cupertino, California — In a significant leadership development, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has officially announced the appointment of Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). The transition comes as current COO Jeff Williams prepares to retire by the end of 2025 after nearly three decades of service.
Khan, a 30-year Apple veteran, currently serves as Senior Vice President of Operations. He will formally assume the role of COO later this month. The company states that Jeff Williams will remain with Apple until the end of the year to support design and health-related initiatives, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition.
“Sabih has played an essential role in building Apple’s global supply chain and driving our environmental progress,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in an official statement. “He is a brilliant strategist, a trusted collaborator, and a tireless advocate for innovation and sustainability. There is no one better suited to step into the COO role.”
Jeff Williams, who joined Apple in 1998, was named COO in 2015. He was instrumental in the development and launch of landmark products such as the iPhone, Apple Watch, and the company's health technologies. Williams’ steady leadership has helped Apple maintain its operational excellence and product design consistency over the past decade.
Upon his retirement, Apple’s design team—which currently reports to Williams—will begin reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. The move underscores the company’s strategic emphasis on design and innovation at the executive level.
Sabih Khan was born in Moradabad, India, raised in Singapore, and holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from Tufts University, along with a master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He joined Apple in 1995 and rose through the ranks to become one of the company’s key figures in operations management.
During his tenure, Khan has overseen Apple’s global supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics functions. He also spearheaded the company’s clean energy transition for suppliers, playing a central role in reducing Apple’s carbon footprint by over 60%.
He has also led Apple’s efforts in expanding advanced manufacturing partnerships in the United States, India, and Southeast Asia, contributing to increased localization and resilience of Apple’s supply chain.
The appointment of Sabih Khan marks a generational shift within Apple’s top leadership. As the company navigates complex global supply chain challenges, heightened geopolitical risks, and increasing sustainability expectations, Khan’s operational experience is expected to be critical.
Industry analysts view the change as part of Apple’s long-term succession planning. “This is a textbook transition,” said a market analyst. “Khan’s appointment reflects Apple’s commitment to operational depth and strategic continuity.”
Williams’ departure also opens questions about Apple’s future leadership structure, as he was once seen as a possible successor to CEO Tim Cook.
Khan’s appointment has been widely celebrated, particularly in India, given his roots in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. His rise reflects the increasing prominence of Indian-origin executives in global technology firms.
Sabih Khan will officially begin his role as Apple’s Chief Operating Officer in July 2025. Jeff Williams will support the transition process through the end of the year, after which he will retire from the company.
Apple remains one of the world’s most valuable companies, and this leadership transition signals continuity in its mission to design and deliver cutting-edge products while prioritizing sustainability and operational excellence.
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