In a leadership shake-up, Apple Inc. has named Indian-American industry veteran Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) to replace Jeff Williams later this month. The Indian-American industry veteran's hiring is a milestone not only for Apple but for global representation of leadership in the technology industry. Having worked nearly three decades at Apple, Khan has a deep understanding of the company's operations, supply base, and sustainability programs.

Currently Apple's Vice President of Operations, Khan's promotion to COO demonstrates his key role in establishing Apple supply chain, manufacturing operations, and ethical supply policies. Therefore, his promotion has been welcomed by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who described him as "a brilliant strategist and one of the central architects of Apple's supply chain."

"Sabih arrives with heart and values, and I have no doubt he will be a great chief operating officer," Cook said. "He was instrumental in ensuring Apple can be responsive to the world's challenges."

Sabih Khan Apple COO announcement also depicts Apple's commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business landscape.

From Moradabad to Apple's Executive Suite

Sabih Khan was born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. He moved to Singapore at the age of 10. He subsequently moved to the United States and obtained a double bachelor's degree in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University. He also obtained a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Before he joined Apple in 1995, Khan worked at GE Plastics (now SABIC), where he was a key account technical leader and application development leader. Khan's engineering and materials background was well-positioned to handle the demanding task of developing and operating global operations for Apple.

Khan has also played a significant role in defining Apple's operations and supply chain over the past 30 years. In 2019, he became Senior Vice President of operations, overseeing procurement, planning, manufacturing, logistics, product quality, and fulfillment. He has also overseen Apple's supplier responsibility programs that emphasize fair labor practices, education of workers, and sustainability.

Driving Innovation and Sustainability

One of Khan's greatest contributions has been his sustainability leadership. Apple, under his guidance, has partnered with eco-friendly suppliers and made tremendous efforts in becoming less environmentally friendly. Apple attributes him with enabling the company to reduce its carbon footprint by over 60 percent.

Tim Cook previously spoke of Khan's ability to introduce "new technologies and advanced approaches" that improved Apple's supply chain while also expanding its manufacturing presence in the United States.

Sabih Khan Apple COO will oversee operations at a time when global technology giants are facing increasing pressure to innovate responsibly and uphold production standards.

Williams to Retire; Khan to Shoulder Great Responsibilities

Exiting COO Jeff Williams will remain at Apple until he retires later this year, managing the Apple Watch and design teams. Williams has had a revolutionary impact at Apple since joining in 1998, but the baton is now passed to Khan.

With the Sabih Khan Apple COO transition, Apple is signaling stability in its operations strategy and introducing a new generation of international leadership. Khan's experience and vision will be instrumental in driving the company into the next generation of technological innovation, sustainability, and resilience.