In a significant leadership transition at the world’s most valuable technology company, Apple has appointed Indian-origin Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). The announcement came as Apple continues to deepen its operational resilience, manufacturing diversification, and sustainability goals under CEO Tim Cook’s strategic vision.
Who Is Sabih Khan?
Sabih Khan, born in Uttar Pradesh, India, spent his early years in Singapore before moving to the United States for higher studies. He holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). His multicultural upbringing, technical expertise, and operational acumen have shaped his nearly three-decade journey at Apple.
Career Journey Of Sabih Khan At Apple
| Year | Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Operations Engineer | Managed supplier quality, early manufacturing strategies |
| 2005 | Director of Operations | Operational planning for iPod and Mac divisions |
| 2010 | Vice President, Operations | Expanded Apple’s global manufacturing and procurement footprint |
| 2019 | Senior Vice President, Operations | Led supply chain resilience, supplier responsibility, ESG programmes |
| 2025 | Chief Operating Officer | Overseeing global operations, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing diversification, and sustainability |
Khan succeeds Jeff Williams, who retired after serving as Apple’s COO since 2015. Analysts note that Khan’s appointment reflects Apple’s long-standing tradition of promoting internal talent with deep institutional knowledge.
Key Responsibilities As Apple’s COO
- Managing end-to-end global supply chain operations
- Leading manufacturing partnerships and procurement strategy
- Overseeing supplier responsibility, environmental standards, and labour rights programmes
- Driving operational readiness for new product categories including Vision Pro, AR devices, and future AI-integrated hardware
- Supporting Apple’s manufacturing diversification beyond China to India, Vietnam, and other Asian markets
Apple CEO Tim Cook Welcomes Khan’s Appointment
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, congratulated Khan with high praise:
“Sabih has been instrumental in making Apple’s supply chain the most innovative, efficient, and responsible in the world. His leadership, operational excellence, and commitment to our values make him the ideal choice as COO.”
Apple’s Manufacturing Diversification Strategy Under Sabih Khan
| Country | Key Products Manufactured | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|
| China | iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, AirPods | Core manufacturing hub; facing geopolitical risk challenges |
| India | iPhone 12-15 series | Major expansion with $15 billion investments; future MacBook assembly |
| Vietnam | AirPods, iPads, Apple Watch | Strengthening as alternative production base to reduce China dependence |
| US | Mac Pro, select iPhone components | Limited assembly for premium products and localisation requirements |
Khan has been at the forefront of Apple’s strategic pivot to India and Vietnam to derisk production concentration in China, especially in the backdrop of ongoing US-China trade tensions.
Why Sabih Khan’s Elevation Matters
- Operational Stability: Ensures continuity in Apple’s highly complex and efficient global supply chain.
- ESG Leadership: Khan pioneered Apple’s supplier responsibility programmes, enhancing labour and environmental standards.
- Indian-Origin Global Impact: Adds to the growing list of Indian-origin leaders in top global technology firms.
- New Product Scaling: Supports operational integration of upcoming product categories such as Vision Pro and AI-powered devices.
Industry Experts React
Wedbush Securities’ Dan Ives said,
“Sabih Khan has been Apple’s silent operational force, ensuring seamless product launches. His elevation is a strategic move to maintain operational excellence as Apple enters a new phase of product innovation.”
Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management added,
“Khan’s understanding of Asian manufacturing and supplier relationships is unparalleled. His leadership will be critical as Apple diversifies its production base.”
Apple’s Senior Leadership Team After Recent Restructuring
| Position | Executive | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| CEO | Tim Cook | Strategic direction, innovation, financial growth |
| COO | Sabih Khan | Global operations, supply chain, procurement, sustainability |
| CFO | Luca Maestri | Financial strategy, investor relations |
| SVP, Hardware Engineering | John Ternus | Hardware product design and development |
| SVP, Software Engineering | Craig Federighi | Software platforms – iOS, macOS |
| SVP, Services | Eddy Cue | Digital content, Apple Music, TV+, App Store |
Khan joins Apple’s elite executive committee, reporting directly to Tim Cook.
Indian-Origin Leaders In Global Technology
| Name | Company | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Sundar Pichai | Google & Alphabet | CEO |
| Satya Nadella | Microsoft | CEO & Chairman |
| Arvind Krishna | IBM | CEO & Chairman |
| Nikesh Arora | Palo Alto Networks | CEO |
| Sabih Khan | Apple | COO |
His elevation further highlights India’s growing global influence in the technology and corporate leadership landscape.
Operational Challenges Ahead For Sabih Khan
Despite his proven capabilities, Khan faces critical challenges:
- Geopolitical Risks: Managing supply chain disruptions arising from US-China tensions and regional instabilities.
- Sustainability Goals: Leading Apple’s supply chain to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, a core ESG commitment.
- Cost Optimisation: Balancing quality with cost efficiencies amid global inflation and raw material volatility.
- Scaling New Categories: Ensuring readiness to mass-produce new categories such as Vision Pro, AR glasses, and AI-integrated devices without delays.
Apple’s Supply Chain Resilience Under Khan
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Khan played a central role in:
- Minimising production disruptions through alternative supplier strategies
- Establishing health protocols in factories globally
- Redesigning logistics to counter shipping delays
His leadership ensured Apple maintained near-continuous product availability, unlike competitors who suffered months-long shortages.
Sabih Khan’s Leadership Philosophy
In his 2023 address to Apple’s supplier responsibility conference, Khan said:
“Operational excellence is rooted in responsibility – how we treat our suppliers, the environment, and communities. Innovation means nothing without values.”
This ethos has shaped Apple’s supplier codes, worker safety programmes, and carbon reduction initiatives globally.
Apple’s Sustainability Targets Under Khan’s Leadership
| Target | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 100% recycled rare earth metals in products | 2025 | On track |
| Carbon neutral supply chain | 2030 | In progress |
| Zero waste to landfill in manufacturing | 2030 | Partial implementation across major sites |
Khan’s focus on integrating sustainability into procurement and manufacturing will be pivotal in achieving these targets.
Social Media Reactions
Khan’s elevation received widespread praise from the Indian diaspora and global tech professionals:
- “Congratulations Sabih Khan – another Indian-origin leader at a global giant!”
- “Sabih Khan’s journey from Uttar Pradesh to Apple’s COO is an inspiration for millions.”
- “Apple is in safe operational hands with Khan’s proven track record.”
Conclusion
Sabih Khan’s appointment as Apple’s Chief Operating Officer marks a new chapter in the company’s leadership story. As Apple navigates manufacturing diversification, geopolitical shifts, and ambitious sustainability goals, Khan’s operational expertise and values-driven leadership will be crucial in steering the tech giant’s next era of growth, innovation, and global responsibility.
Disclaimer
This news article is based on official corporate announcements, leadership biographies, analyst insights, and market data for general business news dissemination. Readers are advised to refer to Apple’s investor relations and regulatory filings for detailed operational and financial updates.
