Apple Inc. has named Sabih Khan, a veteran executive with roots in Moradabad, India, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a pivotal leadership transition at the world’s most valuable technology company. Khan will succeed Jeff Williams, Apple’s long-serving COO, who is stepping down after a distinguished tenure overseeing the company’s global operations.
The appointment was announced by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who praised Khan’s “extraordinary leadership” and his instrumental role in building one of the most efficient and resilient supply chains in the world. Khan’s elevation to the COO role cements his position as one of the most influential figures inside Apple, second only to the chief executive.
A Veteran of the Apple Way
Khan, who joined Apple in 1995, has been a central figure in the company’s behind-the-scenes success. Over nearly three decades, he has overseen Apple’s vast and complex supply chain operations, ensuring seamless global distribution of products that have reshaped consumer technology — including the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Educated in the United States, Khan holds degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and an M.B.A. from Duke University. However, his early roots trace back to Moradabad, a historic city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. His family emigrated when he was young, but he has frequently acknowledged the importance of his Indian heritage in shaping his worldview.
Stepping Into a Legacy Role
As COO, Khan inherits a portfolio that includes oversight of manufacturing, logistics, quality control, and supplier responsibility across continents. He will also lead Apple’s environmental initiatives, including the company’s push toward carbon neutrality and cleaner global production standards.
His predecessor, Jeff Williams, who had been considered a potential successor to Tim Cook, is credited with maintaining Apple’s operational excellence during periods of global disruption, including the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S.-China trade tensions. Williams’ departure marks the end of an era, but the elevation of Khan — described by colleagues as “steady, detail-oriented, and deeply respected” — signals continuity at a time when Apple is expanding into new verticals such as artificial intelligence and mixed-reality hardware.
A Moment of Representation
Khan’s rise also highlights the growing prominence of Indian-origin leaders in global technology firms. In recent years, executives like Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), and Arvind Krishna (IBM) have come to helm major U.S. corporations. Khan’s appointment further reinforces the significance of the Indian diaspora in shaping the global tech economy.
At a time when Apple is facing increased regulatory scrutiny and competition, Khan’s deep institutional knowledge and global supply chain acumen are expected to provide critical stability and innovation.
“Sabih has been at the heart of our operations team for over 25 years and is uniquely positioned to take on this role,” said Cook in a statement. “He is a tireless advocate for Apple’s values and will be a remarkable COO.”
