Apple Inc. exists somewhat mysteriously behind a veil of secrecy in Cupertino. It has appointed Sabih Khan, a veteran Indian executive, as its new Chief Operating Officer. Current COO Jeff Williams’ planned departure precedes this transition quietly. Khan is set to officially step into the new role later this month, having served nearly three decades as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations.
Jeff Williams will keep reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook for now, having served quite capably as COO since 2015. He will keep tabs on the Apple Watch and design teams, and Apple says the design division will report straight to Cook after Williams bows out later this year.
About Sabih Khan
Sabih Khan, born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, spent his early years in Singapore before relocating to the United States to pursue higher education and his professional career. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Khan launched his career at GE Plastics, then joined Apple’s procurement team in 1995 with considerable enthusiasm. He played a crucial role in reshaping Apple’s global footprint by streamlining the supply chain and spearheading sourcing initiatives behind innovative products.
His promotion coincides with India gaining huge strategic importance in Apple’s global plans as a rapidly emerging manufacturing hub and fast-growing market.
Tim Cook Applauds Khan’s Leadership
Tim Cook praised Sabih Khan’s leadership for significantly reducing Apple’s carbon emissions by over 60%. Cook also highlighted Khan’s massive role in advancing manufacturing tech, rapidly expanding production capabilities domestically, and strengthening Apple’s agility in a very dynamic global landscape. “Sabih is a master strategist and a key architect of our supply chain.” Sabih stands out as a master strategist and key architect behind our complex supply chain operations quite effectively nowadays.
