Apple Appoints Sabih Khan as New COO Amid Leadership Shift

Apple has appointed Sabih Khan, a 30-year veteran of the company, as its new chief operating officer. Khan will succeed Jeff Williams, who is retiring after nearly three decades at Apple. Khan joined Apple in 2019 as senior vice-president of operations, managing procurement and manufacturing. He will oversee operations and is likely to add AppleCare to his portfolio. The appointment comes amid Apple's efforts to shift production from China to India and navigate regulatory challenges.

Apple Inc. has appointed Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective later this month. Khan will succeed Jeff Williams, who is retiring after nearly three decades at Apple. Williams, who has been instrumental in creating one of the most respected global supply chains and leading Apple's design and health initiatives, will continue to oversee these areas until his retirement later this year [1].

Khan, a 30-year veteran of Apple, joined the company in 2019 as Senior Vice President of Operations. He has been in charge of Apple's global supply chain for the past six years, overseeing planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment functions, as well as Apple's supplier responsibility programs. Under his leadership, Apple has expanded its manufacturing footprint in the United States and has made significant strides in environmental sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint by over 60% [1].

The appointment of Khan comes amid Apple's efforts to shift production from China to India and navigate regulatory challenges. Apple has been investing heavily in India, aiming to make the country a significant manufacturing hub. This move is part of Apple's broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce its dependence on a single market [1].

Khan's appointment also signals Apple's continued focus on innovation and sustainability. His background in operations and supply chain management, combined with his experience in environmental sustainability, positions him well to lead Apple through its next phase of growth. As COO, Khan is expected to add AppleCare to his portfolio, further enhancing Apple's customer service and support offerings [2].

The transition is part of a long-planned succession plan, with Williams continuing to report to Apple CEO Tim Cook until his retirement. Williams has had a profound impact on Apple's design, health initiatives, and supply chain, and his legacy will be felt for years to come. Khan, who has worked closely with Williams for 27 years, is seen as a natural successor and is expected to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor [1].

In summary, Apple's appointment of Sabih Khan as COO is a strategic move that aligns with the company's ongoing efforts to diversify its supply chain, expand in new markets, and maintain its commitment to innovation and sustainability. With Khan at the helm, Apple is poised to continue its growth trajectory while addressing the challenges of the global market.

References:
[1] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/07/apple-announces-chief-operating-officer-transition/
[2] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/08/apple-says-coo-jeff-williams-handing-over-role-to-sabih-khan-this-month.html