Apple COO Jeff Williams to Step Down, Sabih Khan to Take Over

Apple's Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams will pass the role to deputy Sabih Khan later this month. Williams will continue to oversee the design team and health initiatives, reporting to CEO Tim Cook. The transition is described as a "long-planned succession." Williams is leaving the future of the company in the hands of Khan.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has announced that Sabih Khan will become the company's new chief operating officer (COO) later this month, succeeding Jeff Williams. This transition is part of a long-planned succession plan, with Williams continuing to report to CEO Tim Cook while overseeing the design team and health initiatives until his retirement later this year.

Khan, who has been with Apple for 30 years, has been instrumental in the company's supply chain. He currently serves as senior vice president of Operations and will take on the COO role from Williams. Williams has been a key figure in Apple's history, having built the company's supply chain and led the development of the Apple Watch. He also architected Apple's health strategy and has overseen the design team in recent years.

"I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime," Williams said. "Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting."

Khan brings extensive experience in operations, having managed Apple's global supply chain for six years. He joined Apple's executive team in 2019 and has responsibilities that include product quality, planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment functions.

The design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook after Williams' retirement. "Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain," said Cook. "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."

Khan's background includes working at GE Plastics as an applications development engineer. He holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

The transition marks a significant change in Apple's leadership structure, with Williams stepping down and Khan taking over the COO role. This move is part of Apple's ongoing strategy to ensure continuity and innovation in its operations and product development.

References:
[1] https://www.investing.com/news/assorted/apple-names-sabih-khan-as-chief-operating-officer-432SI-4127275