Apple Names Sabih Khan As New COO In Leadership Transition

As part of a long-planned succession plan, Apple has announced that Sabih Khan, the company’s senior vice president of operations, will succeed Jeff Williams as chief operating officer later this month.

In addition to managing Apple’s health projects, Williams will continue to report to Apple CEO Tim Cook and lead the company’s elite design team and Apple Watch. When Williams leaves at the end of the year, Apple’s design staff will move to reporting directly to Cook.

“Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him. He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple’s health strategy; and led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

“I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship. Jeff’s true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he’s created and, while he’ll be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands.”

“Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain. While overseeing Apple’s supply chain, he has helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, overseen the expansion of Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the United States, and helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges. He has advanced our ambitious efforts in environmental sustainability, helping reduce Apple’s carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.”, said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

Khan joined the executive team as senior vice president of operations in 2019 after 30 years of employment at Apple. For the past six years, he has been in charge of Apple’s global supply chain, which includes planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment operations in addition to Apple’s supplier responsibility initiatives that safeguard and train employees at production sites across the globe.

By working with suppliers to advance green manufacturing and contribute to resource conservation and environmental protection, the team also helps Apple’s environmental objectives.

Throughout his time at Apple, Williams established a supply chain that has helped the company grow and serve clients in countries like the US, China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

He oversaw Apple’s supplier responsibility initiatives, which have raised the standard for workers globally by providing vital education and training. Williams was instrumental in the launch of the iPhone and iPod programs.

Apple Expands Tools For Businesses Around The World

He oversaw the Apple Watch project more than ten years ago and designed the company’s health strategy, assisting users in leading healthier lifestyles, learning more about their health, and accessing life-saving medical care. Williams has also been in charge of Apple’s top-performing design team for a number of years.

In response, Williams stated:

“I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime, and I can’t thank Tim enough for the opportunity, his inspirational leadership, and our friendship over the years,” said Williams.

“June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years and I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership in this role.”

Before joining Apple’s procurement group in 1995, Khan worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader at GE Plastics. He earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.