Apple Appoints Sabih Khan as Chief Operating Officer Amid Global Strategy Shift
In a landmark move, Apple Inc. has appointed Sabih Khan, an executive of Indian origin, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This leadership change marks a new chapter for the tech giant, especially as Jeff Williams, Apple’s long-serving COO, prepares to retire.
Khan’s elevation signals more than just a routine promotion — it reflects Apple’s commitment to operational excellence, global supply chain restructuring, and its rapidly expanding footprint in India.
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Sabih Khan’s Roots: From Moradabad to Apple Headquarters
Born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Sabih Khan spent his early childhood in India before relocating to Singapore at the age of 10. He completed his initial education there, then moved to the United States to pursue higher studies.
Khan earned degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from Tufts University, followed by a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Khan’s Rise at Apple: A Journey of Innovation and Integrity
Sabih Khan began his career at Apple in 1995, joining the procurement division. Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder through his work ethic, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of operations.
In 2019, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, a role in which he managed Apple’s global supply chain, manufacturing systems, and logistics. Khan also spearheaded Apple’s Supplier Responsibility Program, where he focused on ethical labor practices, workforce training, and factory conditions.
Tim Cook Praises Khan’s Vision and Leadership
Apple CEO Tim Cook applauded Khan’s contribution to Apple’s operational strength. He stated:
“Sabih has been a key force behind our supply chain innovation and global manufacturing growth. He has helped advance Apple’s environmental goals and played a critical role in expanding our presence in the U.S. and abroad.”
Cook emphasized Khan’s value-based leadership and added, “He leads with principle, purpose, and a strong commitment to sustainability.”
India’s Role in Apple’s Supply Chain Strengthens Under Khan’s Watch
Khan’s appointment comes at a time when India is becoming central to Apple’s global manufacturing strategy. The company started assembling iPhones in India in 2017, and since then, production has rapidly scaled.
In the last fiscal year, Apple manufactured iPhones worth $22 billion in India — a 60% increase from the previous year — and exported over $17.4 billion in iPhones. Currently, about 20% of all iPhones globally are made in India, and this share is expected to grow further.
Apple has already announced plans to diversify its production away from China, shifting key manufacturing operations to countries like India and Vietnam. During a recent investor call, Tim Cook stated that most iPhones sold in the U.S. will soon be produced in India.
A Look Back: Khan’s Career Before Apple
Before joining Apple, Sabih Khan worked at GE Plastics as an Application Development Engineer and Account Technical Leader. He collaborated closely with clients to develop custom plastic solutions, which laid a strong foundation for his future in operations and engineering leadership.
A Strategic Leader for a New Era at Apple
As Apple enters a transformative phase — balancing geopolitical tensions, diversifying supply chains, and leading environmental initiatives — Sabih Khan’s expertise is more relevant than ever. His deep operational experience, ethical leadership, and Indian heritage make him the ideal leader to guide Apple through its next chapter.
His appointment not only reflects Apple’s internal evolution but also reinforces India’s rising role in the global tech manufacturing landscape.
