Apple Appoints Indian-Origin Sabih Khan as Chief Operating Officer
Apple has promoted Indian-origin executive Sabih Khan to the role of Chief Operating Officer as part of a planned succession. Khan, born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, has been with Apple for 30 years and currently serves as the senior vice president of operations, managing the company's global supply chain. He will take over from Jeff Williams, who is set to retire later this year. The appointment places Khan, an alumnus of Tufts University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in a key leadership position.
Unpacked:
Sabih Khan is credited as a key architect of Apple’s global supply chain, helping expand operations across the US and Asia. He played a significant role in cutting Apple’s carbon footprint by over 60 percent and pioneered new manufacturing technologies during his tenure as Senior Vice President of Operations.
Khan’s upbringing in India and Singapore gave him exposure to diverse cultures, crucial for managing Apple’s global operations. His dual degrees in economics and mechanical engineering, plus decades of experience at Apple, position him to bridge technical expertise with operational strategy and drive innovation.
Jeff Williams has been a central figure at Apple, overseeing operations and product launches for many years. His retirement marks the end of an era and puts the spotlight on Khan to maintain Apple’s operational excellence and navigate evolving industry challenges.
Khan’s promotion reflects Apple’s preference for internal succession and continuity. By elevating a seasoned insider with deep institutional knowledge, Apple aims to ensure stability and maintain its strategic direction despite major leadership transitions.