Apple has announced a significant leadership change, revealing that Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jeff Williams will hand over his responsibilities to Sabih Khan later this month. Khan, currently serving as Apple’s senior vice president of Operations, will step into the COO role as part of what the company describes as a “long-planned succession.”
While transitioning to this new phase, Williams will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook. He will also maintain his leadership over Apple’s design team, the Apple Watch, and health initiatives. However, Williams is expected to depart from the company later this year.
Having dedicated 30 years to Apple, Khan is well-prepared for his new role. In 2019, he was appointed senior vice president of Operations and has spent the past six years managing the company’s supply chain, where he was instrumental in overseeing product quality and managing crucial functions including planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, fulfillment, and supplier responsibility programs that support workers at production facilities globally.
Throughout his 27-year tenure at Apple, Williams has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, contributing to the launch of iconic products like the iPod and iPhone. His efforts were also crucial in the introduction of the Apple Watch and the development of health care strategies that prioritize customer well-being while leading the design team.
Praising his successor, Williams referred to Khan as “the most talented operations executive on the planet” and expressed his confidence in Apple’s future under Khan’s leadership.
“I have a deep love for Apple,” Williams said. “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.”
Tim Cook reflected on their long partnership: “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. 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,” Cook emphasized.
