Apple has appointed Sabih Khan, a veteran with nearly 30 years of experience at the company, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Khan succeeds Jeff Williams, who is transitioning out of the role this month and will retire later in the year. This move signifies a strengthening of Apple's leadership team and a recognition of Khan's significant contributions to the company's success.
Khan's journey with Apple began in 1995, and he has since become a pivotal figure in the company's operations. He is widely credited with transforming Apple's global supply chain, a critical component of the company's ability to deliver innovative products to market. Since 2019, Khan has served as Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing manufacturing, supplier responsibility, and environmental sustainability initiatives worldwide. In this role, he has been instrumental in pioneering new technologies in advanced manufacturing and expanding Apple's manufacturing footprint in the United States.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has lauded Khan as a "brilliant strategist" and "one of the central architects of Apple's supply chain". Cook also highlighted Khan's contributions to Apple's environmental sustainability efforts, noting that he has helped reduce the company's carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. Williams also expressed his confidence in Khan, calling him "the most talented operations executive on the planet".
Born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, in 1966, Khan's family relocated to Singapore during his school years before finally settling in the United States. He holds dual bachelor's degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Before joining Apple, Khan worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader at GE Plastics.
As COO, Khan will be number two in the tech firm below Tim Cook. He is expected to play a crucial role in steering Apple through future challenges, including trade volatility, global logistics snarls, and sustainability demands. His expertise in supply chain management, logistics, and manufacturing will be invaluable as Apple continues to innovate and expand its global reach. Khan's appointment reflects Apple's commitment to recognizing and promoting talent from within its ranks, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success in the years to come.
