Apple SVP of Operations Sabih Khan will become chief operating officer later this month, replacing Jeff Williams, who plans to retire, the company reported in a July 8 press release.
“Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in the release.
Khan also helped pioneer technologies in advanced manufacturing and has overseen the expansion of Apple’s U.S. manufacturing footprint while helping to reduce the company’s carbon emissions by more than 60%, Cook said.
A 30-year Apple veteran, Khan joined the executive team in 2019 as the SVP of operations, according to the release. For the last six years, he has commanded the company’s global supply chain, overseeing planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics and product fulfillment.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years and I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet,” Williams said.
Over 27 years with Apple, Williams built out a supply chain supporting the company’s growth in the U.S., China, India, Japan and other parts of Southeast Asia, per the release. He also led Apple’s supplier responsibility efforts through global training and education programs.
Williams helped to create “one of the most respected global supply chains in the world,” Cook said in the release. “I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship.”
Following the transition, Williams will continue to lead Apple’s design team and Apple Watch and Health initiatives, reporting to Cook, until he retires later this year, per the release.
The COO transition comes as Apple embarks on a four-year investment in U.S. manufacturing, first announced in February. The $500 billion earmark includes the planned opening of a new facility in Houston that will build servers for the company’s artificial intelligence system.
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