On July 9, 2025, Apple Inc. announced the promotion of Sabih Khan to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), a crucial leadership change within one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Khan succeeds Jeff Williams, Apple’s long-time COO, who is set to retire after playing a key role in Apple’s growth and innovation during his tenure. Khan’s promotion represents a seamless transition for the company, underscoring Apple’s commitment to maintaining leadership continuity while fostering operational excellence.
Sabih Khan’s Remarkable Career at Apple
Sabih Khan has been with Apple for an impressive 30 years, starting his journey with the company in 1995. Over the decades, Khan has built a storied career at Apple, earning recognition for his deep understanding of the company’s global operations and strategic management. He has held pivotal roles in managing Apple’s global supply chain, overseeing procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment.
As the Senior Vice President of Operations, Khan was responsible for shaping Apple’s operational strategies, which included navigating the complexities of international supply chains and ensuring that products like the iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch were delivered on time and met Apple’s high standards. Khan’s leadership was instrumental in managing Apple’s vast network of suppliers, ensuring high quality, cost efficiency, and timely product launches.
His expertise became especially evident when Apple faced global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Khan and his team ensured that Apple’s operations continued to run smoothly, minimizing delays and maintaining product availability. Under his leadership, Apple maintained its status as a global leader in technology, thriving even amid the challenges posed by international trade tensions and supply chain disruptions.
What Does Khan’s Appointment Mean for Apple’s Future?
Khan’s appointment as COO represents a critical juncture for Apple as it continues to navigate the rapidly changing tech landscape. His leadership will be essential in ensuring that Apple maintains its operational excellence while pursuing innovation and efficiency across its expanding product portfolio.
As COO, Khan will be responsible for overseeing Apple’s global operations, which include the manufacturing, procurement, and logistics functions that underpin the company’s massive product ecosystem. Additionally, Khan will continue to spearhead efforts in advancing Apple’s sustainability initiatives. Apple has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030, and Khan’s experience in managing Apple’s supply chain makes him uniquely positioned to help the company achieve this ambitious goal.
Apple’s focus on diversification—including its growing services business (iCloud, Apple TV+, etc.)—also means that Khan’s leadership will be crucial in managing operations across new and emerging product lines, such as wearables and electric vehicles. His deep operational knowledge will be vital in scaling up these areas while maintaining Apple’s reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.
CEO Tim Cook’s Support for Khan’s Leadership
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, expressed his full support for Khan’s promotion, emphasizing Khan’s long-standing contributions to the company. “Sabih’s deep understanding of Apple’s operations, his ability to navigate complex global supply chains, and his dedication to excellence make him the perfect fit for this role,” said Cook. “He has been a key member of our leadership team for decades, and we are excited to have him continue to guide our operational efforts as we innovate and grow.”
As the new COO, Khan will lead Apple’s global manufacturing network and work closely with other members of the executive team to ensure that Apple continues to scale and evolve in a competitive tech landscape.
Khan’s Vision for Apple’s Operations
One of Khan’s key goals as COO will be to build on Apple’s legacy of operational excellence by focusing on supply chain resilience and exploring new innovations in manufacturing. He is expected to play a significant role in pushing forward Apple’s initiatives in sustainability and clean energy while overseeing the implementation of AI and machine learning technologies within Apple’s operations. This includes enhancing logistics networks and working with suppliers to implement environmentally-friendly practices that align with Apple’s green energy goals.
