Apple (AAPL.O) has officially named Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeding Jeff Williams in a long-planned leadership transition. Khan, a 30-year veteran at Apple, currently serves as Senior Vice President of Operations and will assume his new role later this month. His appointment underscores Apple’s strategy of promoting experienced insiders to key executive positions.
Before joining Apple’s procurement team in 1995, Khan worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader at GE Plastics. His extensive background in operations and supply chain management makes him a strong fit for the COO role. The move highlights Apple’s focus on maintaining stability in its leadership as it navigates evolving market challenges.
Meanwhile, outgoing COO Jeff Williams will continue reporting to CEO Tim Cook until his retirement later this year. During this transition period, Williams will retain oversight of Apple’s design team and the Apple Watch division. His departure marks the end of a significant era in Apple’s executive leadership, given his pivotal role in product development and operations.
Following Williams’ retirement, the design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook, streamlining decision-making at the top. This leadership reshuffle comes as Apple continues to innovate in hardware, software, and services. Analysts will be watching closely to see how Khan’s operational expertise influences Apple’s future strategies.