Sabih Khan, an Indian-American business executive, is set to become Apple's next Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeding Jeff Williams later in July 2025. This transition marks a significant milestone in Khan's career, which has spanned nearly three decades at Apple.
Born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, Khan's family moved to Singapore during his schooling years before eventually 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 in 1995, Khan worked at GE Plastics in various technical and operational roles.
Khan's journey at Apple began in the procurement group in 1995. Over the years, he steadily climbed the corporate ladder, taking on increasing responsibilities and demonstrating his expertise in supply chain management, logistics, and manufacturing. In 2019, Khan was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, reporting to Jeff Williams. In this role, he has been responsible for Apple's global supply chain, overseeing planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment. He also supervises Apple's supplier responsibility programs, which focus on worker protection, education, and environmental sustainability.
As Senior Vice President of Operations, Khan played a crucial role in delivering Apple's innovative products to market. He has been instrumental in establishing partnerships with green manufacturing suppliers and in adapting supplier operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Khan's efforts have also contributed to Apple's environmental goals, including reducing the company's carbon footprint by over 60 percent.
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, has praised Khan as a "brilliant strategist" and "one of the central architects of Apple's supply chain". Cook also acknowledged Khan's role in pioneering new technologies in advanced manufacturing, expanding Apple's footprint in the U.S., and advancing the company's environmental sustainability efforts. He has expressed his confidence in Apple's future under Khan's leadership, noting that Khan "leads with heart and integrity" and will be an "exceptional chief operating officer".
Jeff Williams, the outgoing COO, has worked with Khan for 27 years and calls him "the most talented operations executive on the planet". Williams will continue to oversee Apple's design team and health initiatives until his retirement later this year, ensuring a smooth transition under Khan's leadership.
In his new role as COO, Khan will oversee all aspects of Apple's global operations, from product development and supply chain to customer support and logistics. He will work closely with Apple's leadership team, including CEO Tim Cook, to ensure the company continues to deliver high-quality products efficiently and responsibly. Khan's appointment as COO marks a significant step for the Indian-origin executive, who has quietly but effectively shaped Apple's operational success for decades. He is now poised to steer Apple's next chapter, facing challenges such as trade volatility, global logistics complexities, and increasing demands for sustainability.