Apple Inc. has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Indian-origin executive Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Khan, who has dedicated three decades to Apple, will succeed Jeff Williams later this month as part of a long-planned succession strategy under CEO Tim Cook.
Born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Khan’s early education took place in India before his family moved to Singapore. He later relocated to the United States, earning 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, initially as part of the procurement group. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in building and managing Apple’s global supply chain—a system often cited as one of the most sophisticated and resilient in the world. In 2019, he was appointed Senior Vice President of Operations, reporting directly to outgoing COO Jeff Williams.
Before joining Apple, Khan worked at GE Plastics as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader, gaining experience that would later prove invaluable in his Apple career.
Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Khan’s appointment, calling him “a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain.” Cook highlighted Khan’s leadership in pioneering new manufacturing technologies and his commitment to Apple’s core values. “Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer,” said Cook.
Outgoing COO Jeff Williams, who has been with Apple for nearly three decades, will remain with the company for the remainder of the year, continuing to oversee the design team and Apple Watch initiatives. After Williams’ retirement, Apple’s design team will report directly to Tim Cook.
Khan’s appointment as COO marks a historic moment for Indian-origin professionals in the global technology sector. His journey from Moradabad to becoming Apple’s second-in-command underscores the growing influence of Indian talent in Silicon Valley and beyond.