Apple's design division will now report directly to Tim Cook following Jeff Williams' departure
Apple has announced that Sabih Khan, a 30-year veteran of the company, will take over as the technology giant's Chief Operating Officer (COO) later this month. The news comes as Jeff Williams, who has been with Apple for 27 years, prepares to retire after a long and successful tenure.
Khan, who has served as Apple's Senior Vice President of Operations since 2019, will assume responsibility for the company's global supply chain, including product quality, planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and fulfillment. He is widely regarded as a central architect of Apple’s supply chain and has played a pivotal role in pioneering advanced manufacturing technologies and expanding Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the U.S.
Under Khan's leadership, Apple has achieved a significant reduction in carbon emissions by more than 60%, demonstrating his commitment to sustainability. His background in mechanical engineering and economics from Tufts University provides him with a strong technical and economic foundation for his operational expertise.
Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Khan as a "brilliant strategist" and expressed tremendous confidence in Apple's future under his leadership as COO. Williams, the outgoing COO, called Khan "the most talented operations executive on the planet" and praised his long-standing contributions to Apple’s success.
Williams, who played a key role in launching the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch, will continue to work with Cook for the rest of the year after stepping down as COO. He plans to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting, beginning next year.
In addition to his role as COO, Williams will oversee Apple's design team, Apple Watch, and Apple's Health initiatives. He has been instrumental in shaping Apple's health efforts, bringing tools that help users learn more about their health and get life-saving support.
Khan is expected to make an exceptional chief operating officer, according to Cook. His ability to lead Apple's supply chain with agility and innovation has ensured the company's ability to be nimble in response to global challenges. With Khan at the helm, Apple looks forward to continued success in the years to come.
Sabih Khan's background in mechanics and economics from Tufts University, coupled with his role in pioneering advanced manufacturing technologies, positions him well to bring his operational expertise to the field of business, particularly within Apple's finance sector. As the new COO, Khan is expected to leverage his leadership skills in technology to enhance Apple's business operations and maintain its competitive edge.
