Indian-Origin Executive Sabih Khan Named Apple’s New Chief Operating Officer

Apple has announced the appointment of Sabih Khan, a veteran executive of Indian origin, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a significant shift in the company’s leadership team.

Khan, who has spent nearly 30 years at Apple, will succeed Jeff Williams in the role as part of a planned transition. He is set to officially assume the position later this month.

Jeff Williams, who has served as COO since 2015, will continue to report to Apple CEO Tim Cook and will oversee the Apple Watch and design teams until his retirement later this year. Once Williams steps down, the company’s design division will report directly to Cook, Apple confirmed.

Sabih Khan’s journey to one of the most influential roles in the world’s most valuable technology company is both inspiring and deeply rooted in decades of dedication. Born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Khan spent part of his early life in Singapore before moving to the United States for higher education. 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).

Khan joined Apple in 1995, starting in the company’s procurement team after working at GE Plastics. Over the years, he played a key role in shaping Apple’s global operations and supply chain, helping the company scale up to meet massive global demand while maintaining high standards in product delivery and quality.

Beyond logistics and supply chain, Khan has also led initiatives focused on supplier responsibility, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Under his leadership, Apple has made significant strides in reducing its environmental footprint, cutting the company’s overall carbon emissions by more than 60 percent. His work has also helped Apple expand its manufacturing presence in the United States, while improving its ability to respond to global disruptions such as trade tensions and pandemics.

Tim Cook, in a statement, praised Khan’s leadership and vision, describing him as a central force behind Apple’s operational success. “Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain. He has pioneered new approaches in manufacturing, expanded our global operations, and helped Apple remain resilient in challenging times,” Cook said.

Khan’s promotion also comes at a time when India is playing a more important role in Apple’s long-term strategy, both as a growing market for its products and as a hub for manufacturing and assembly. His Indian roots, combined with his global perspective and decades of experience within the company, position him well to lead Apple’s operations through its next phase of growth.

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