Who is Sabih Khan, Apple’s new Indian-origin COO?

Apple has named Sabih Khan, a veteran executive of Indian origin, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeding longtime operations leader Jeff Williams in a carefully planned transition set for later this month.

Khan, currently Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations, has been with the tech giant for nearly three decades and is widely credited as one of the key architects behind Apple’s world-class supply chain. He will now officially assume the role of COO, reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook.

“Sabih is a brilliant strategist... one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain,” said Cook. “He leads with heart and values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.”

 Sabih Khan’s journey from the small city of Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, India, to the heart of Silicon Valley is a testament to his determination, intellect, and quiet leadership. Born and raised in Moradabad—a city better known for its brassware than for technology—Khan pursued academic excellence early on, setting his sights beyond national borders.

He moved to the United States to further his education, enrolling at Tufts University, where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering—a combination that would later prove invaluable in bridging technical expertise with operational strategy.

He went on to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), one of the oldest and most respected technological universities in the U.S.

This strong academic foundation, built on both engineering and economics, prepared Khan for a future leading one of the most sophisticated and far-reaching supply chains in the world. His story reflects what’s possible at the intersection of global ambition and technical precision.

Before joining Apple in 1995, Khan worked as an applications development engineer and technical leader at GE Plastics. Over the years, he steadily rose through Apple’s ranks to lead its global operations—a role he has held since 2019.

Since joining Apple’s procurement team, Khan has been instrumental in scaling the company’s complex global supply network, overseeing planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment. He has also led Apple’s supplier responsibility programs, focusing on worker welfare, education, and environmental sustainability.

In the last six years alone, Khan has:

Cook praised Khan’s agility in handling global challenges such as supply chain disruptions, adding that his leadership ensures Apple remains “nimble, resilient, and responsible.”

Khan takes over from Jeff Williams, Apple’s current COO and a 27-year veteran of the company, who is set to retire later this year. Williams played a key role in launching the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch, and also led Apple’s health strategy and design team.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years,” said Williams. “He’s the most talented operations executive on the planet.”

Williams will continue reporting to Tim Cook and overseeing the Apple Watch, health initiatives, and design teams until his retirement. Afterward, the design team will report directly to Cook.

Khan’s appointment underscores Apple’s commitment to global leadership and diverse perspectives, especially as the company navigates a more complex tech landscape shaped by sustainability, innovation, and international expansion.

With decades of experience and a deep understanding of Apple’s DNA, Khan is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s next chapter.