Who is Sabih Khan, Apple’s Next COO? A Supply Chain Veteran with Indian Roots Steps Up

By vivek Ranva | July 9, 2025

Apple Inc. has announced a significant leadership change, elevating Sabih Khan, its long-serving Senior Vice President of Operations, to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). The transition follows the retirement of Jeff Williams, Apple’s current COO, who will step down later this year.

The move, which Apple says is part of a long-planned succession, comes at a critical time for the Cupertino-based technology giant, as it navigates evolving geopolitical tensions, regulatory scrutiny, and mounting expectations around its AI roadmap and global manufacturing practices.

A Three-Decade Apple Veteran with Deep Supply Chain Roots

At 59, Sabih Khan brings nearly three decades of Apple experience, having joined the company in 1995 following a foundational stint at GE Plastics, where he began building his expertise in industrial operations.

Since joining Apple, Khan has quietly but significantly influenced the company’s supply chain infrastructure. He was appointed SVP of Operations in 2019, overseeing a vast portfolio that includes planning, procurement, product quality, manufacturing, logistics, and supplier responsibility programs. Under his leadership, Apple has expanded its manufacturing footprint in the United States, pushed forward environmental sustainability efforts, and built resilience into its global supply chain during times of disruption.

Tim Cook: “A Brilliant Strategist”

In an official statement, Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Khan’s strategic foresight and values-driven leadership.

“Apple CEO Tim Cook described Khan as a visionary in operational strategy, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the company’s global supply chain over the years. He helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, expanded Apple’s U.S. manufacturing footprint, and led sustainability efforts that reduced our carbon footprint by more than 60%,” Cook said.

Cook also emphasized Khan’s human-centered leadership approach, stating:

“Cook also emphasized Khan’s leadership philosophy, noting that he combines strategic thinking with a strong sense of integrity and purpose, qualities that make him well-suited to take on the COO mantle..”

Outgoing COO Jeff Williams, who has worked alongside Khan for nearly three decades, praised his successor as possibly the most accomplished operations leader in the tech industry, expressing strong confidence in Apple’s future with Khan at the helm.

A Timely Transition Amid Industry and Political Pressures

Although the transition was planned, the timing carries operational significance.

Apple has been under pressure from U.S. trade policy to reshore manufacturing and reduce dependence on China and India. Former President Donald Trump and his successor have both pushed for onshore iPhone production, tying it to tariff relief and policy incentives.

The leadership transition comes at a time when Apple is under pressure from both regulators and customers over delays in its rollout of Generative AI features, particularly those expected in the iPhone 16 lineup.. The delay has triggered dissatisfaction among early adopters and even legal action in select jurisdictions.

Khan’s experience in navigating supply chain complexity and his familiarity with Apple’s manufacturing ecosystem positions him well to manage these headwinds. His past work in scaling green manufacturing alliances and improving factory conditions in supplier countries also suggests a continued focus on ethical and sustainable sourcing.

What Lies Ahead for Sabih Khan?

While Apple remains tight-lipped on specific operational shifts under Khan’s leadership, analysts expect him to prioritize:

• De-risking Apple’s supply chain from geopolitical shocks
• Accelerating green supply chain innovation
• Overseeing the scale-up of AI-enabling hardware and logistics
• Enhancing supplier accountability and worker protections

Khan’s elevation also reinforces Apple’s trend of rewarding long-term internal talent, particularly those who operate behind the scenes of its highly visible product lines.

Conclusion

Amid a period of rapid innovation and shifting global dynamics, Sabih Khan’s promotion reflects a thoughtful balance of operational continuity and future-focused leadership, equipping Apple to stay agile and lead confidently in an increasingly competitive tech environment. A respected figure within Apple’s inner ranks, Khan brings three decades of institutional knowledge and a forward-looking approach to global supply chain management. His leadership will be crucial in guiding Apple through a period marked by AI transformation, environmental imperatives, and complex global dynamics.

🔍 Quick Facts: Sabih Khan