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Apple has announced that Jeff Williams will transition his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) to Sabih Khan, Senior Vice President of Operations, later this month, as part of a planned succession. Williams, a 27-year Apple veteran, will retire by year’s end, continuing to oversee the design team, Apple Watch, and health initiatives until then.
Sabih Khan appointed Apple COO, succeeding Jeff Williams, effective this month.
Williams to retire after 27 years, focusing on family post-retirement.
Khan, a 30-year Apple veteran, has led global supply chain since 2019.
Williams drove Apple’s supply chain, Apple Watch, and health strategy.
Khan advanced manufacturing, U.S. expansion, and 60% carbon footprint reduction.
Design team to report to CEO Tim Cook after Williams’ retirement.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook praised Williams for his transformative contributions, stating, “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.” Williams built a globally respected supply chain, launched the Apple Watch, and shaped Apple’s health strategy. He expressed confidence in Khan, saying, “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years and I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet.” Williams plans to retire to spend time with family, including his five grandchildren.
Sabih Khan, who joined Apple in 1995, has been Senior Vice President of Operations since 2019, managing the global supply chain, product quality, and supplier responsibility programs. Cook highlighted Khan’s strategic brilliance, noting, “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.” Khan’s leadership has reduced Apple’s carbon footprint by over 60%, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.
Williams’ tenure saw significant growth in Apple’s supply chain, supporting expansion across the U.S., China, India, and Southeast Asia. He led supplier responsibility efforts, enhancing worker training and education globally, and played key roles in the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch programs. Khan’s 30-year tenure, including his prior role at GE Plastics, equips him to navigate Apple through challenges like tariff pressures and slowing iPhone growth.
Khan’s appointment underscores Apple’s focus on operational agility and sustainability. As COO, he will oversee supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, and fulfillment, positioning him as a potential successor to Tim Cook. The design team’s transition to report directly to Cook post-retirement signals a streamlined leadership structure. This move, following the recent CFO transition, reflects Apple’s commitment to continuity and innovation.
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