Mirror Review
July 9, 2025
Summary:
- Jeff Williams, who served as Apple’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) for 27 years and was considered a potential successor to CEO Tim Cook, is retiring.
- Sabih Khan, a company veteran who has been with Apple since 1995, has been appointed as the new COO.
- Khan takes charge of Apple’s vast global supply chain at a critical time, marked by many trade uncertainties and the challenge of shifting production.
Since COO Jeff Williams decided to retire, Apple has chosen a new leader for its complex global operations.
But who is Sabih Khan?
His predecessor, Jeff Williams, offered high praise, stating, “You won’t find a more talented operations executive anywhere on the planet”.
Born in Moradabad, India, in 1966, Sabih Khan’s journey has led him to one of the most critical roles in global technology.
Here’s what you need to know about the person now in charge of ensuring every iPhone, iPad, and Mac gets made and delivered to you.
1. He is Apple’s New Chief Operating Officer
Sabih Khan is stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer, taking over from the retiring Jeff Williams.
This promotion places him in one of the most critical executive positions at the tech giant, following what the company called a “long-planned succession.”
2. A True Apple Veteran, Joined in 1995
Khan’s story is one of global experience. He was born in Moradabad, India, and his family later moved to Singapore when he was in the fifth grade.
Moreover, he is a true Apple veteran, having been a dedicated employee since joining the company in 1995.
His nearly three-decade tenure means he has been integral to Apple’s incredible growth and has helped deliver its most iconic products since the late 1990s.
3. He’s Been Leading Operations for Years
Since 2019, Saihb Khan was Apple’s senior vice president of Operations, later becoming the top boss of operations.
In this position, he has already been responsible for critical functions like product quality, manufacturing partners, and logistics, reporting directly to Jeff Williams.
4. His Role is Immense: The Entire Global Supply Chain
As the new COO, Sabih Khan is in charge of Apple’s entire global supply chain, including overseeing planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment.
He also managed his department’s response to operational changes required by the COVID-19 pandemic and runs Apple’s supplier responsibility programs, which focus on protecting workers in factories worldwide.
5. A Strong Engineering and Economics Background
Sabih Khan has a solid academic foundation. He holds two bachelor’s degrees from Tufts University – one in Economics and another in Mechanical Engineering.
Furthermore, he earned a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
6. His Career Started at GE Plastics
Before his long and successful career at Apple, Khan worked at GE Plastics. There, he served as an applications development engineer and a key account technical leader.
Thus, he built a foundation in engineering and client management before joining Apple’s procurement group in 1995.
7. Highly Praised by Apple’s Top Brass
Apple’s leadership holds Sabih Khan in very high regard.
- Apple CEO Tim Cook called him a “brilliant strategist” and added, “Sabih leads our Ops team with heart”.
- Jeff Williams, the man he is replacing, described him as a “world-class leader” and stated, “I have no doubt that he will be the best leader of the Ops team in Apple’s history”.
8. Key to Bringing Innovative Products and Materials to Market
Sabih Khan has played a huge role in Apple’s product launches for over two decades.
His operations team has been responsible for driving green manufacturing by partnering with suppliers.
Moreover, a key achievement under his leadership was developing and scaling a new aluminum alloy, which allows Apple to use 100 percent recycled aluminum in MacBook Air and Mac mini enclosures without compromising quality.
9. Stepping in During a Period of Trade Uncertainty
Apple is currently going through a complex trade environment, particularly between the U.S. and China, and faces threats of tariffs.
Therefore, Khan’s leadership as COO at this challenging time will be crucial as Apple manages its vast supply chain through these global pressures.
10. A Potential Successor to Apple CEO Tim Cook?
With Jeff Williams retiring, the question of who might eventually succeed Tim Cook is more open than ever.
Sabih Khan, as the new COO and head of the intricate supply chain, is now considered one of the leading internal candidates to become the next Apple CEO one day.
The Impact of Jeff Williams’ Retirement
Jeff Williams’ retirement marks the end of an era. As a 27-year veteran, he was long considered the most likely successor to Tim Cook. Jeff became COO in 2015, following the same career path Cook took before becoming CEO.
Williams’ leadership on the Apple Watch and, later, the design team after Jony Ive’s departure only strengthened this speculation.
His departure leaves Apple’s succession plan looking “fuzzy” and creates a “cloud over Apple”.
While Tim Cook, at 64, isn’t expected to leave immediately, the once-clear line of succession is gone. This puts a new spotlight on a small group of senior executives.
Alongside Sabih Khan, the list of potential future leaders now prominently includes John Ternus (hardware), Craig Federighi (software), and Greg “Joz” Joswiak (marketing).
Conclusion
As Apple moves into its next chapter, all eyes will be on its new chief operating officer.
With decades of experience, deep knowledge of Apple’s inner workings, and the full backing of company leadership, Sabih Khan is now at the top of the operational machine that powers one of the world’s most valuable companies.
His ability to overcome current challenges will not only decide Apple’s future but also secure his position as a potential future leader of the entire company.
