Apple has announced a major leadership transition. Jeff Williams, the long-serving Chief Operating Officer, will step down from his role later this month. He will be succeeded by Sabih Khan, Apple’s current Senior Vice President of Operations, as part of a long-planned succession strategy.
Williams, who has been with Apple for nearly three decades, will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook and remain involved in overseeing Apple’s design team, Apple Watch, and health initiatives until his retirement later this year. Following his departure, 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. He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple’s health strategy; and led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “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.”
During his career at Apple, Williams built a supply chain that supported the company’s global expansion across the United States, China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. He led Apple’s supplier responsibility efforts, which helped raise labor standards worldwide through critical training and education programs. Williams also played a key role in the introduction of the iPod and iPhone, led the development of the Apple Watch over a decade ago, and architected Apple’s health strategy—helping customers live healthier lives, better understand their well-being, and access lifesaving care. In recent years, he also oversaw Apple’s industry-leading design team.
Khan, who has been with Apple for 30 years and joined the executive team in 2019, is widely recognized for his role in building Apple’s global supply chain. He has overseen key operational functions, including product planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, product fulfillment, and supplier responsibility programs.
“Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain,” added Cook. “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 percent. Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.”
Khan’s leadership has played a crucial role in driving Apple’s environmental goals by partnering with suppliers to foster sustainable manufacturing practices. His efforts have also supported Apple’s mission to protect and educate workers across its global production facilities.
Reflecting on his journey, Williams shared: “I have a deep love for Apple. 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 said. “June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting. 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. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership in this role.”
Before joining Apple in 1995, Khan worked at GE Plastics as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
