Posted by Cupertino, USA: Apple Inc. has announced a major leadership transition, with COO Jeff Williams to retire later this month. Sabih Khan, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations, will take over Williams’ role as the new COO, marking a long-anticipated move in Apple’s executive succession plan.
COO Jeff Williams to retire
Williams, a 27-year Apple veteran and key figure in the development of the Apple Watch and the company’s health strategy, will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook for the remainder of the year. He will maintain oversight of Apple’s design team and health initiatives until his retirement later this year, after which Apple’s design team will report directly to Cook.
“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 Cook in a company statement. “He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world… and has led our team of designers with great wisdom and heart.”
“I have a deep love for Apple,” Williams said, reflecting on his tenure for 27 years with Apple and 40 years in the tech industry. “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,” he added.
Sabih Khan named as new COO
His successor, Sabih Khan, brings nearly three decades of Apple experience to the role. Since joining the company in 1995, Khan has played a pivotal role in building Apple’s global supply chain and advancing its environmental sustainability goals. As SVP of Operations since 2019, Khan has overseen product manufacturing, logistics, and Apple’s supplier responsibility programs.
“Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain,” Cook said. “He has advanced our ambitious efforts in environmental sustainability, helping reduce Apple’s carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values.”
Khan, who holds degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, began his career at GE Plastics before joining Apple.
As COO, Khan will be responsible for driving operational strategy across the company, continuing Apple’s emphasis on sustainability, product quality, and global manufacturing reach. The leadership change marks the end of an era for Apple’s operations division and ushers in a new chapter under Khan’s guidance.