Apple's C-suite Undergoes Major Reshuffle, Tim Cook Remains Firm Control

Apple has undergone a major restructuring of its management team, with Jeff Williams, CEO Tim Cook's most trusted deputy, set to retire in December. Sabih Khan will assume the COO title, while CFO Luca Maestri has been succeeded by Kevan Parekh. Nearly half of Cook's direct reports are nearing retirement, but Cook has shown no signs of stepping down or preparing a successor.

Apple Inc. has announced a significant shift in its management structure, with long-time executives Jeff Williams and Luca Maestri stepping down and new leaders Sabih Khan and Kevan Parekh taking their places. The changes come as Apple continues to navigate a challenging business environment, including global supply chain pressures and regulatory changes.

Jeff Williams, Apple's Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the past 27 years, will retire later this year, according to a press release from the company. Williams, who has been a key figure in Apple's supply chain and design teams, will continue to oversee the design team, Apple Watch, and health initiatives until his retirement in December. Sabih Khan, who has been with Apple since 1995 and is currently the senior vice president of operations, will take over the COO role later this month [1].

Williams' departure marks the latest in a series of high-profile retirements among key Apple executives who played significant roles in the company's growth. Williams has been instrumental in creating one of the most respected global supply chains in the world and has led the development of Apple Watch and the company's health strategy [2].

Sabih Khan, who has been with Apple for 30 years, has been a central architect of Apple's supply chain. He has helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, expanded Apple's manufacturing footprint in the United States, and has been instrumental in reducing Apple's carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. Khan will lead Apple's supply chain, product quality, planning, procurement, and fulfillment functions [2].

In addition to the COO role, Apple has also announced that Luca Maestri, the company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will be succeeded by Kevan Parekh. Maestri has been with Apple since 2014 and has played a crucial role in the company's financial strategy. Parekh, who has extensive experience in finance and has been with Apple since 2019, will take over the CFO position [1].

The announcements come as Apple faces increasing pressure on its supply chain, with the U.S. imposing tariffs on many countries where Apple sources its devices. The company has been under pressure to move more production to the United States, a challenge that will likely fall to Khan and Parekh as they take on their new roles.

Despite the changes, Apple CEO Tim Cook has shown no signs of stepping down or preparing a successor. Cook has praised Williams' contributions and expressed confidence in Khan's ability to lead Apple's operations [1].

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