Sabih Khan: Apple’s New COO and India’s Rising Tech Leadership
A comprehensive look at Sabih Khan’s rise from Moradabad to Apple’s COO role, his impact on global supply chains, sustainability, and what this transition means for Apple’s future.
The Big Announcement
On July 8, 2025, Apple Inc. announced that Sabih Khan, a 30-year veteran of the company, will step into the role of Chief Operating Officer, succeeding longtime operations chief Jeff Williams. Khan, currently Senior Vice President of Operations, will assume his new duties later in July, while Williams will remain through year-end, overseeing Apple Watch, design, and health strategy before retiring.
This transition, part of a carefully planned succession, underscores Apple’s commitment to continuity and long-term strategic planning.
From Moradabad to Cupertino: Sabih Khan’s Journey
Sabih Khan was born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. His early years were spent in India and Singapore before he moved to the United States for higher education.
He holds:
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A dual bachelor’s degree in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University
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A Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Khan began his professional journey at GE Plastics as an applications development engineer and key account leader. In 1995, he joined Apple’s procurement team, quickly becoming a key player in Apple’s supply chain and operations.
Architect of Apple’s Global Supply Chain
In his nearly three decades at Apple, Khan has consistently driven transformation within its global operations:
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As Senior VP of Operations since 2019, he has overseen planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, product fulfillment, and supplier responsibility.
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He played a key role in diversifying Apple’s manufacturing footprint from China to countries like the United States, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
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He helped establish supplier responsibility programs, improving labor practices and working conditions in Apple’s massive global supply chain.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Khan was instrumental in adapting supplier operations to maintain Apple's product timelines, a feat that cemented his reputation as a crisis-resilient leader.
Sustainability as a Core Pillar
Under Khan’s leadership, Apple has made significant strides in environmental sustainability:
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He led efforts that helped reduce Apple’s carbon footprint by more than 60 percent.
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He forged partnerships with suppliers to adopt greener manufacturing processes and eco-friendly innovations.
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He contributed to achieving carbon neutrality across Apple’s corporate facilities and continues working toward a fully carbon-neutral global supply chain by 2030.
This environmental focus aligns with Apple’s long-term brand vision of sustainable innovation.
Tim Cook’s Endorsement
Apple CEO Tim Cook offered glowing praise for Sabih Khan. Cook called Khan “a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain.”
Cook further noted:
“Sabih 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.”
Tim Cook also credited Khan for his leadership in advanced manufacturing, his role in expanding Apple’s production in the United States, and his ability to help the company respond nimbly to global challenges.
The Successor: Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams, who has served as Apple’s COO since 2015, is set to retire by the end of 2025. A trusted member of Apple’s leadership since 1998, Williams has contributed to several key product launches, including the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch.
Before retiring, he will continue to oversee Apple Watch development, health features, and product design to ensure a seamless transition.
Williams’s retirement opens doors for a new generation of Apple leaders while ensuring experienced hands like Khan continue to guide operations.
Strategic Timing Amid Trade Pressures
Sabih Khan’s promotion comes at a time when the global tech supply chain is under significant strain:
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US-China tensions have led to tariff pressures and the need for diversified production.
Apple is in the process of moving elements of its supply chain to nations such as India, which is positioning the region as both a manufacturing center and an important market.
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Khan’s elevation reflects Apple’s confidence in his ability to steer the company through these global disruptions and operational realignments.
His deep experience gives Apple a clear edge in managing geopolitical risks while maintaining product innovation and delivery.
Investor Impressions and Market Reaction
Following the announcement, Apple’s stock remained relatively stable with a minor uptick. This reflects investor confidence in Khan’s ability to step into the COO role seamlessly.
Analysts described the leadership change as a “natural transition” and applauded Apple’s internal leadership continuity, especially during a time when the tech world is facing uncertainties on multiple fronts.
What This Means for Apple’s Future
Operational Resilience
Khan’s experience ensures Apple is prepared to handle manufacturing shifts, global disruptions, and geopolitical risks.
Expanded Manufacturing Footprint
His tenure is expected to accelerate Apple’s onshoring agenda in the United States and the ramp-up of manufacturing in India and Southeast Asia.
Environmental Credibility
With Khan at the helm, Apple will likely continue setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility in the tech industry.
Leadership Continuity
His promotion maintains Apple’s tradition of grooming internal leaders, ensuring trust and alignment of vision across the company.
Sabih Khan at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | 1966, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Education | BSc in Economics and Mechanical Engineering (Tufts), MS in Mechanical Engineering (RPI) |
| Early Career | GE Plastics |
| Joined Apple | 1995, Procurement Team |
| Senior VP, Ops | 2019–2025 |
| New Role | Chief Operating Officer (Effective July 2025) |
| Key Focus Areas | Supply chain, manufacturing agility, sustainability |
Author’s Note
This blog is more than just a story about a corporate appointment. It’s about how a boy from Moradabad rose through the ranks of one of the world’s most valuable companies, not by shortcuts or luck, but through discipline, clarity, and dedication.
Sabih Khan’s journey reflects how global talent continues to shape the world’s biggest innovations. As an Indian-origin leader entrusted with steering Apple’s operational future, he symbolizes resilience, trust, and transformation.
His promotion is not only a personal achievement but a reflection of Apple’s global inclusivity and strategic vision for the future.
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