Apple Inc. has officially appointed Sabih Khan, an executive of Indian origin, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a significant internal transition. Khan, who has spent nearly 30 years at the tech giant, will step into the role as Jeff Williams, Apple’s long-serving operations chief, prepares to retire later this year. The announcement was made by CEO Tim Cook. Khan’s appointment reflects Apple’s confidence in steady internal leadership to navigate its worldwide operations.

Early Life and Education

Sabih Khan was born in 1966 in Moradabad, a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. At the age of 10, he moved with his family to Singapore, where he completed his early education. He later pursued higher studies in the United States, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and economics from Tufts University.

He went on to complete a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), equipping him with the technical and economic acumen required for complex global operations. His academic foundation has been critical in shaping his analytical and systems-thinking approach to leadership.

Career Before Apple

Before joining Apple, Khan worked at GE Plastics—now known as SABIC—where he served as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader. His role there involved working closely with clients to develop customized plastic applications, giving him experience in technical problem-solving, product development, and customer engagement. The job also exposed him to large-scale industrial processes and laid the groundwork for his eventual leap into high-tech global operations.

Rise Through the Ranks at Apple

Khan joined Apple in 1995, beginning his journey in the procurement group. Over the years, he steadily advanced through the company, ultimately becoming Senior Vice President of Operations in 2019. In this capacity, he oversaw Apple’s entire operations portfolio—including manufacturing, procurement, logistics, and product fulfillment.

He was also responsible for Apple’s supplier responsibility programs, which focus on ethical labor practices and worker education at manufacturing sites around the world. Khan’s work has been instrumental in ensuring high standards in both production quality and corporate responsibility at Apple.

Under Khan’s leadership, Apple made major strides in reducing its environmental impact. According to the company, Apple’s carbon footprint was cut by over 60% during his tenure overseeing operations. He has been credited with introducing advanced manufacturing technologies, streamlining complex logistics systems, and expanding Apple’s production capabilities in the United States and other regions. His approach emphasized both innovation and resilience, especially during global supply chain disruptions like those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tim Cook’s Endorsement

Apple CEO Tim Cook described Khan as a “brilliant strategist” and praised his contributions to building one of the most efficient supply chains in the world. Cook emphasized that Khan’s leadership is defined not only by technical expertise but also by his core values and ethical approach. As Khan takes over the role, the design team that previously reported to Williams will now report directly to Cook, while Khan will continue to manage Apple’s vast operations arm, including its evolving sustainability efforts and product delivery systems.

Khan’s appointment marks a milestone for Indian-origin professionals in global tech leadership. From Moradabad to Singapore, and eventually to Cupertino, Khan’s journey reflects a combination of technical education, operational expertise, and steady leadership. While he has largely remained away from the public eye, his influence at Apple has been both strategic and far-reaching.

As he assumes the role of Apple’s new COO, Sabih Khan is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the company’s supply chain strategies, sustainability goals, and global operations.