In a major leadership reshuffle at Apple, Sabih Khan, an Indian-origin executive, has been promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). This marks a significant milestone, not only for Apple but also for the Indian diaspora in global tech leadership.
With over two decades of experience at Apple, Sabih Khan’s promotion reflects his indispensable role in shaping Apple’s supply chain, manufacturing, and operations ecosystem.
Who is Sabih Khan?
- Origin: Born in India and raised partly in Singapore and the U.S.
- Education:
- Bachelor’s in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University
- Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
- Experience:
- Worked at GE Plastics before joining Apple in 1995
- Over 25 years of experience in operations, logistics, and global supply chain management
Role at Apple: Behind-the-Scenes Architect
Sabih Khan has played a crucial role in turning Apple into a global manufacturing and logistics powerhouse. His key responsibilities included:
- Building and maintaining Apple’s massive global supply chain
- Ensuring sustainability practices in Apple’s production ecosystem
- Navigating the complexities of global manufacturing during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Overseeing Apple’s supplier responsibility programs, labor rights enforcement, and environmental targets
From SVP to COO: A Natural Progression
Previously serving as Senior Vice President of Operations, Khan reported directly to CEO Tim Cook. His work not only aligned with Apple’s operational excellence but also helped reduce costs and improve efficiency in Apple’s product delivery models.
His elevation to COO fills a crucial leadership gap, as Apple has not had a formally titled COO since Jeff Williams took on the dual role of COO and overseeing Apple Watch and health initiatives.
Why This Matters
Sabih Khan’s rise is significant on multiple levels:
- Representation: It underscores the growing role of Indian-origin leaders in the global tech arena (e.g., Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Arvind Krishna).
- Trust & Stability: His deep understanding of Apple’s culture and operational strategy assures investors and consumers of Apple’s continued stability and innovation.
- Global Supply Chain Mastery: In an era of geopolitical tensions and technological shifts, Khan’s expertise will be critical in diversifying Apple’s manufacturing base beyond China.
Apple’s Future Under Khan’s Operational Leadership
With Apple pushing into AI-powered products, mixed-reality devices like the Vision Pro, and expanding its services and hardware ecosystem, the COO role becomes even more central. Sabih Khan is expected to:
- Drive manufacturing innovation for new product categories
- Ensure eco-friendly production and meet Apple’s 2030 net-zero targets
- Streamline supply chains across India, Vietnam, and Latin America
- Strengthen Apple’s response to supply chain disruptions globally
An Inspiration for Indian Talent
Sabih Khan’s story is yet another reminder of the global impact of Indian-origin professionals. From engineering to executive leadership, his journey is marked by dedication, adaptability, and a quiet leadership style that has become part of Apple’s operational DNA.
Final Words
Sabih Khan’s appointment as COO of Apple is more than just a promotion — it’s a recognition of visionary leadership behind the scenes. As Apple continues its journey in a complex global tech landscape, Khan’s elevation ensures the company remains efficient, ethical, and ahead of the curve.
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