On July 8th, Apple announced that Jeff Williams will step down as Chief Operating Officer later this month, with Sabih Khan, the company’s current Senior Vice President of Operations, set to take over the role. The transition is part of a long-planned succession strategy. Williams will remain at Apple through the end of the year, continuing to report to CEO Tim Cook while overseeing Apple’s design team and health initiatives, including the Apple Watch. Once Williams retires, Apple’s design team will report directly to Cook.
Williams has played a key role in building one of the most respected global supply chains, leading the development of the Apple Watch, and crafting Apple’s health strategy. He also led Apple’s renowned design team with vision and dedication. Williams has built a legacy of innovation, global expansion, and workforce responsibility for nearly three decades at Apple, helping shape the company’s culture and future.
Who is Sabih Khan?
Sabih Khan, a 30-year Apple veteran, joined the executive team in 2019. He has since led the company’s global supply chain operations, overseeing quality control, planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment. His leadership helped drive sustainability efforts, reducing Apple’s carbon footprint by over 60%, while strengthening supplier accountability and ethical labor practices worldwide.
Khan is known for his strategic thinking and values-driven leadership. Before joining Apple in 1995, he worked at GE Plastics and holds economics and mechanical engineering degrees. Williams, marking 27 years at Apple and 40 in the industry, expressed deep confidence in Khan’s leadership and plans to spend more time with family following his departure.
