Apple has named Sabih Khan as its next Chief Operating Officer, a quiet but significant leadership shift. He will officially step into the role in late July 2025, taking over from Jeff Williams, who has mentored Khan for nearly three decades.
From Moradabad to Apple’s Core
Sabih Khan was born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, and moved with his family to Singapore during his school years before eventually settling in the United States. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University, followed by a master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Before joining Apple, he worked at GE Plastics as a development engineer and technical lead.
A Three-Decade Apple Veteran
Khan joined Apple in 1995 as part of the procurement team. Over the years, he became instrumental in overseeing the company’s planning, manufacturing, logistics, and supplier responsibility programs. His work has kept Apple’s massive supply chain running smoothly, even through disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and US-China trade tensions.
In 2019, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, handpicked by CEO Tim Cook. Khan is often seen as the quiet force behind Apple’s global supply engine.
Praised by Mentors and Known for His Humility
Jeff Williams, Apple’s current COO, called Khan “the most talented operations executive on the planet,” highlighting their 27-year working relationship. While Khan stays away from the spotlight, his role is central to Apple’s product rollout and logistics.
Future Challenges in a Global Role
As COO, Khan will now lead Apple’s operational strategy amid challenges like supply chain volatility, global trade uncertainty, and sustainability demands. Insiders view him as a steady and experienced hand well-equipped to handle the pressure.
Net Worth and Public Profile
Though official net worth figures are not public, Khan’s long tenure and high-ranking position suggest a substantial executive compensation package. For comparison, his predecessor Jeff Williams had shares reportedly worth over $80 million.
Despite his influence, Khan remains low-profile, rarely appearing at public Apple events. His work may be behind the scenes, but it powers the tech giant’s most crucial operations.
A Symbol of Indian-Origin Leadership in Global Tech
With his promotion, Sabih Khan joins the growing list of Indian-origin executives in top roles at global tech firms—underscoring the growing influence of Indian talent on the world stage.
