In a significant leadership transition that underscores Apple’s growing focus on India and advanced manufacturing, Sabih Khan, an Indian-origin executive and a 30-year veteran at Apple, has been appointed as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He will take over from Jeff Williams, who has held the role since 2015, later this month as Apple strengthens its global operational strategy.
Sabih Khan, who currently serves as Senior Vice President of Operations, has been instrumental in shaping Apple’s global supply chain and advancing its supplier responsibility programs. His promotion comes at a time when India is becoming a critical market and a manufacturing hub for Apple, aligning with the company’s broader push for diversification in its production capabilities and market reach.
Sabih Khan’s Journey and Role at Apple
Born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, in 1966, Sabih Khan moved to Singapore during his school years before relocating to the United States, where he completed dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He began his professional career at GE Plastics before joining Apple’s procurement team in 1995.
Over the years, Sabih Khan has been a key figure behind Apple’s seamless delivery of innovative products, pioneering supply chain innovations, and implementing responsible sourcing practices across Apple’s supplier ecosystem. His role has been vital in ensuring Apple’s ability to navigate global challenges, enabling the company to maintain agility while scaling up advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Tim Cook’s Endorsement and Apple’s Strategic Focus
Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Sabih Khan’s strategic vision and his contributions to environmental sustainability, highlighting his leadership in reducing Apple’s carbon footprint by over 60 per cent. Cook noted that Sabih Khan has been central in pioneering advanced manufacturing technologies and expanding Apple’s manufacturing presence in the United States, ensuring the company is well-positioned to address global operational challenges.
“Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain. While overseeing Apple’s supply chain, he has helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, overseen the expansion of Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the United States, and helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges,” Cook stated.
As Jeff Williams prepares for retirement later this year, he will continue reporting to Cook and overseeing the Apple Watch and design teams during the transition, after which the design team will report directly to Cook.
Sabih Khan’s elevation reflects Apple’s commitment to strengthening its leadership as it expands its manufacturing presence in India and other strategic locations worldwide while prioritising environmental goals and advanced technological integration in its supply chain operations.
