Apple Announces Leadership Transition for Chief Operating Officer
In a significant leadership transition, Apple® has announced that Jeff Williams, the company’s current Chief Operating Officer (COO), will step down from his role later this month. Taking over as COO is Sabih Khan, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations, marking a carefully planned succession within the company. While Williams will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook and oversee Apple’s world-class design team, Apple Watch, and Health initiatives, the design team will eventually transition to reporting directly to Cook after Williams retires later this year.
This move underscores Apple’s commitment to fostering internal talent and ensuring a seamless handover of responsibilities. Both Williams and Khan have left indelible marks on Apple’s operations, innovation, and global impact during their decades-long tenures with the company.
A Legacy of Excellence: Jeff Williams’ Contributions to Apple
Jeff Williams has been an integral part of Apple’s success story, shaping the company’s growth and operational excellence over nearly three decades. As COO, he played a pivotal role in building one of the most respected global supply chains in the world—a cornerstone of Apple’s ability to deliver high-quality products at scale. His leadership extended beyond operations, as he spearheaded the launch of the Apple Watch more than a decade ago and architected the company’s health strategy, empowering millions of customers to live healthier lives.
“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,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “He’s helped create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple’s health strategy; and led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication. I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship.”
Williams also played a key role in expanding Apple’s manufacturing footprint globally, including in the United States, China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, Apple raised industry standards for worker conditions through its supplier responsibility programs, offering critical training and education initiatives for workers worldwide. For the past several years, Williams has also overseen Apple’s renowned design team, further cementing his influence on the company’s innovative spirit.
Reflecting on his journey, Williams expressed gratitude for his time at Apple. “I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime, and I can’t thank Tim enough for the opportunity, his inspirational leadership, and our friendship over the years,” said Williams. “June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting. 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. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership in this role.”
Sabih Khan: A Visionary Leader Takes the Helm
As Williams transitions out of his role, Sabih Khan steps into the spotlight as Apple’s new Chief Operating Officer. With 30 years at Apple under his belt, Khan brings unparalleled expertise and vision to the position. Since joining the executive team in 2019 as Senior Vice President of Operations, he has overseen Apple’s global supply chain, ensuring product quality and managing planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and fulfillment functions. He has also championed Apple’s supplier responsibility programs, which protect and educate workers at production facilities worldwide.
Khan’s leadership extends to advancing Apple’s ambitious environmental sustainability goals. Under his watch, Apple reduced its carbon footprint by more than 60 percent, partnering with suppliers to drive green manufacturing practices and conserve resources. Additionally, Khan has been instrumental in expanding Apple’s manufacturing presence in the United States and navigating global challenges with agility and precision.
“Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain,” said Cook. “While overseeing Apple’s supply chain, 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. Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.”
Before joining Apple in 1995, Khan worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader at GE Plastics. He holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His technical background, combined with his strategic acumen, positions him as a natural successor to Williams.
Looking Ahead: Continuity and Innovation
The transition from Williams to Khan represents not only continuity but also an exciting new chapter for Apple. Both leaders share a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability—values that are deeply embedded in Apple’s DNA. With Khan at the helm of operations, Apple is poised to maintain its position as a global leader in technology while continuing to push boundaries in areas like environmental responsibility and advanced manufacturing.
Apple itself remains a beacon of innovation, having revolutionized personal technology with iconic products such as the Macintosh, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and the recently introduced Apple Vision Pro. Its six software platforms—iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS—deliver seamless experiences across devices and empower users with groundbreaking services like the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+.
With more than 150,000 employees worldwide, Apple is dedicated to making the best products on earth while striving to leave the world better than it found it. The leadership transition ensures that these core principles will endure, guided by the same passion and dedication that have defined Apple since its inception.
A New Era Begins
As Jeff Williams prepares for retirement and Sabih Khan assumes the role of COO, Apple stands ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the future. Williams leaves behind a legacy of transformative leadership, while Khan brings fresh energy and expertise to guide the company forward. Together, they exemplify Apple’s enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and humanity—a testament to the enduring strength of the Apple ecosystem and the visionary leaders who shape it.
