CUPERTINO: Apple’s long-serving chief operating officer Jeff Williams is stepping aside later this year, with Sabih Khan—the supply chain mastermind born in Moradabad, India—set to take charge as COO in a long-planned succession.
Khan, currently senior vice president of operations, will assume the role later this month. Williams will remain through the end of the year, continuing to oversee Apple’s design team and health initiatives, including Apple Watch. After his departure, the design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook.
Williams, who joined Apple in 1998, was instrumental in the launch of the iPod, iPhone and Apple Watch, and helped craft Apple’s health strategy.
“Apple wouldn’t be what it is without Jeff,” said Cook. “Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him. He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple’s health strategy; and led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication. I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship. Jeff’s true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he’s created and, while he’ll be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands.”
Khan’s journey began in Moradabad, western Uttar Pradesh. After attending school in Singapore, his family moved to the United States, where Khan went on to earn a dual bachelor’s degree in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University, followed by a master’s in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York.
He joined Apple in 1995 from GE Plastics, starting in procurement. Over the past three decades, Khan has played a central role in shaping Apple’s global operations—from logistics and manufacturing to supplier responsibility and green manufacturing. Under his leadership, Apple’s carbon footprint has shrunk by over 60 per cent.
“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. He has advanced our ambitious efforts in environmental sustainability, helping reduce Apple’s carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.”
Williams, marking his twenty seventh year at Apple and fortieth in the industry, plans to spend more time with family. “Sabih is the most talented operations executive on the planet,” he said. “I leave Apple’s future in very capable hands.”
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