Apple appoints longtime exec Sabih Khan as chief operating officer

• Khan is a 30-year Apple veteran and has led operations since 2019.
• Williams helped launch the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch during his tenure.
• Apple’s design team will report directly to Tim Cook after Williams retires later this year.

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Longtime Apple employee Jeff Williams is stepping down from the position of chief operating officer at the iPhone giant.

He’ll be replaced in the role by another longtime staffer, senior VP of operations Sabih Khan.

Williams will continue overseeing Apple’s design team, Apple Watch and the company’s health initiatives until he retires later this year. He played key roles in the introduction of the iPod and iPhone programmes.

The executive was also charged with building Apple’s supply chains over the years, expanding across the US, China, India, Japan and Southeast Asia. Following pressure on Apple by the Trump administration, Apple this week also announced a $500m deal with MP materials to purchase “American-made” rare earth magnets.

Williams first joined the company in 1998 as head of procurement, having previously worked at IBM.  

New number two

Khan is a 30-year Apple veteran and SVP of operations since 2019. He has overseen the company’s global supply chain, including manufacturing, logistics, and supplier responsibility. 

Before joining Apple in 1995, Khan worked at GE Plastics as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader. 

He holds degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Strategic changes 

“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 Apple CEO Tim Cook. 

He added: “I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship. Jeff’s true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he’s created and, while he’ll be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands.”

Cook further commented: “Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain. 

“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. 

“He has advanced our ambitious efforts in environmental sustainability, helping reduce Apple’s carbon footprint by more than 60 per cent. Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.”