Industries

Apple Names Sabih Khan as New COO

Published JUL 9 2025

Story

Above: The Apple Store on Broadway in New York City, New York, on March 21, 2024. Image credit: Deb Cohn-Orbach/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

The Facts

Apple announced in a press release on Tuesday that Sabih Khan will succeed Jeff Williams as chief operating officer later this month. Khan, currently senior vice president of operations, has been with the company for 30 years and will take over the role as part of a planned succession.
Apple Newsroom
Yahoo! News
Williams, Apple's COO since 2015, will retire later in 2025 after nearly 27 years with the company. He will continue overseeing the design team, Apple Watch, and health initiatives until his retirement, after which the design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook.
AppleInsider
CNBC
Khan joined Apple in 1995 in the procurement group and has led Apple's global supply chain for the past six years. He holds degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master's in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
India Today
New York Post
CEO Tim Cook commended Khan as a "brilliant strategist" and one of the "central architects" of Apple's supply chain. Cook also highlighted Khan’s role in pioneering manufacturing technologies and reducing the company's carbon footprint by more than 60 percent.
Apple Newsroom
www.ft.com
Khan's appointment follows Apple's efforts to address supply chain challenges and diversify manufacturing outside of China.
www.ft.com
Verge

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

This leadership change represents Apple's commitment to operational excellence and internal talent development. Khan's 30-year journey from procurement specialist to COO demonstrates the company's ability to cultivate leaders from within, providing stability in an industry known for executive turnover. His proven track record in supply chain management and sustainability initiatives positions Apple well for future challenges.

THE CRYPTO COMMAND

Narrative B

Williams' retirement raises questions about Apple's CEO succession planning, as he was widely considered a potential successor to Tim Cook. With Khan being only two years younger than the retiring Williams, younger executives like John Ternus may be better positioned for long-term leadership roles. The timing highlights how Cook's extended tenure is reshaping succession possibilities.