New COO of Apple – Apple Inc. recently appointed Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), drawing significant attention from the tech and business world. Known for his operational brilliance and decades-long tenure at Apple, Khan’s rise to this powerful position marks a new era in Apple’s leadership. But who is Sabih Khan, and what makes him the right choice for this critical role? Let’s explore his career, education, and contributions in detail.
Early Life and Education of Sabih Khan
Sabih Khan was born in India and moved to the United States to pursue higher education. A man of strong academic background and technical understanding, Khan’s educational foundation laid the groundwork for his operational mastery.
- He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University.
- Later, he received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
- His academic profile is a rare blend of economics, business sense, and technical depth.
Khan’s education gave him a unique advantage—he understood both the mechanics of manufacturing and the economic strategies behind global operations.
Khan’s Career Before Apple
Before joining Apple, Sabih Khan had already established himself in the world of technology and operations. His experience at leading companies prepared him for the complexity of Apple’s supply chain.
- He began his career at GE Plastics, where he managed operations and built his understanding of global supply chains.
- At GE, he gained experience in manufacturing, logistics, and sourcing—skills that would later become core to his success at Apple.
- Khan’s early roles focused heavily on engineering and supply chain efficiency, forming the core of his operational mindset.
Rise Through the Ranks at Apple
Sabih Khan joined Apple in 1995, and over nearly three decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global supply chain operations.
Key Milestones in His Apple Career
| Year | Position/Role | Major Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Joined Apple | Started in product operations |
| 2001 | Director of Operations | Supported iPod production scaling |
| 2007 | Senior Director | Played role in iPhone launch logistics |
| 2010 | VP of Operations | Led global supply chain expansions |
| 2015 | SVP of Operations | Oversaw iPad, iPhone, and Mac production |
| 2023 | Executive VP | Worked closely with Tim Cook |
| 2025 | Appointed COO | Took over as Chief Operating Officer |
Khan’s consistency, performance, and loyalty earned him a reputation as one of Apple’s most trusted executives. He is known to be a calm, analytical leader with a hands-on approach to solving complex problems.
What Makes Sabih Khan the Ideal COO?
Apple’s operations are among the most complex in the world—spanning manufacturing, logistics, sourcing, and sustainability. Sabih Khan’s deep understanding of Apple’s supply chain is unmatched.
Core Strengths That Make Khan Stand Out
- Long-Term Vision: Khan understands Apple’s future trajectory and is instrumental in planning sustainable operations.
- Global Expertise: He manages Apple’s supply chain across more than 50 countries.
- Crisis Management: Played a key role in navigating supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Sustainability Focus: Leading Apple’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions and sourcing recyclable materials.
- People-Centric Leadership: Known for mentoring teams and leading with empathy.
Sabih Khan vs Former COOs
To understand the scale of responsibility and uniqueness of Khan’s appointment, here’s how he compares to some of Apple’s previous operational heads:
| COO Name | Tenure | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Cook | 1998–2011 | Transformed Apple’s supply chain efficiency |
| Jeff Williams | 2011–2023 | Focused on health tech, Apple Watch |
| Sabih Khan | 2025–Present | Sustainability, innovation, global scale |
While Tim Cook revolutionized Apple’s supply chain and Jeff Williams led innovations in product operations, Khan’s strength lies in modernizing global operations with a focus on resilience and environment-friendly initiatives.
How Will Sabih Khan Impact Apple’s Future?
Apple is at a pivotal point, navigating economic uncertainties, sustainability commitments, and product innovation. As COO, Khan will likely drive some of Apple’s most significant internal transformations.
Expected Focus Areas
- Green Operations: Khan will push Apple toward its 2030 carbon-neutral goal.
- Supply Chain Localization: Reduce dependency on China by diversifying manufacturing.
- AI and Automation: Integrate smart technologies into operations for faster delivery.
- Ethical Sourcing: Strengthen transparency in sourcing and labor standards.
- Scalability: Prepare infrastructure for the upcoming Apple Car and new AR devices.
His leadership will define Apple’s behind-the-scenes evolution and ensure that the company’s famous “it just works” promise stays true even in turbulent global markets.
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Khan’s Personal Traits and Leadership Style
Despite his high-profile role, Sabih Khan is known for maintaining a low media profile. However, within Apple and the tech ecosystem, he is admired for his discipline and quiet efficiency.
Leadership Highlights
- Calm, detail-oriented problem solver.
- Strong communicator across global teams.
- Promotes sustainable and inclusive operations.
- Known to be extremely loyal to Apple’s mission.
His background as an immigrant and engineer brings a grounded and global perspective to Apple’s executive team—making him a symbol of both excellence and diversity.
Why the Tech World Is Watching Sabih Khan Closely
Sabih Khan’s appointment has stirred curiosity not just within the tech industry but also in business and academic circles. Given Apple’s global scale, the COO’s role is more crucial than ever in shaping product timelines, environmental goals, and customer experience.
Reasons Why He’s in the Spotlight
- Apple’s product pipelines depend on his operational execution.
- He’s tasked with crisis-proofing the supply chain.
- His decisions directly affect millions of jobs and partners globally.
- As an immigrant success story, he represents diversity in tech leadership.
- His sustainable practices could redefine global corporate responsibility.
Sabih Khan’s rise to the role of Apple’s COO is not just a personal achievement—it marks a new chapter in Apple’s journey. With nearly three decades of experience and an unmatched command over global operations, Khan is expected to play a key role in ensuring Apple remains efficient, sustainable, and future-ready. His background, journey, and future responsibilities reveal a leader who understands both the emotional weight and logistical complexity behind every Apple product. As Apple continues to scale its innovations and responsibilities, all eyes will be on Sabih Khan to deliver with precision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Sabih Khan?
Sabih Khan is the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Apple. He joined Apple in 1995 and has played a major role in building its global supply chain.
Q2. What is Sabih Khan’s educational background?
He holds degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Q3. What roles has Sabih Khan held at Apple?
He has served in several key roles, including Director of Operations, Vice President of Operations, and most recently Executive Vice President before becoming COO.
Q4. What will be Sabih Khan’s focus as COO?
His priorities include sustainability, supply chain diversification, and implementing smart technologies for operational efficiency.
Q5. How is Sabih Khan different from previous COOs like Tim Cook or Jeff Williams?
While Tim Cook focused on supply chain transformation and Jeff Williams led product operations, Khan is known for driving sustainable, resilient, and inclusive operational strategies across Apple’s global ecosystem.
