Sabih Khan, a high-ranking executive at Apple Inc. with origins in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is emerging as the leading candidate to succeed Jeff Williams as Apple’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). Williams, who has held the role since 2015, is widely expected to retire in the coming years. Industry insiders report that Khan is being closely considered for the company’s No. 2 position, just below CEO Tim Cook.
Currently serving as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Sabih Khan oversees the company’s vast and complex global supply chain. He is responsible for manufacturing, procurement, and supplier responsibility across Apple’s massive hardware ecosystem, which includes iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and more. Khan has worked at Apple for over two decades and is widely credited with ensuring efficient product delivery and maintaining high standards for environmental sustainability and labor practices.
Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Khan moved abroad at a young age and pursued engineering and business studies in the United States. He holds degrees from Tufts University and Stanford University. Despite living overseas, Khan has maintained a strong connection with his Indian roots and is seen as a representative of the growing global influence of Indian-origin professionals in the technology sector.
Khan’s leadership came to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic, when global supply chains faced unprecedented disruption. Under his guidance, Apple was able to navigate component shortages, manage production challenges in multiple countries, and maintain product launch schedules with minimal delays. His ability to coordinate cross-functional teams across continents has made him a valuable asset within Apple’s executive team.
If confirmed as COO, Khan would join a growing list of Indian-origin leaders who have taken on senior roles in top global technology companies. His rise would also symbolize Apple’s continued efforts to build a globally inclusive leadership team at a time when the company is expanding its operations in markets like India and Southeast Asia.
Khan’s appointment could also coincide with Apple’s increasing focus on India as both a manufacturing base and a consumer market. Apple has already begun assembling iPhones in India through partnerships with key suppliers, and senior executives have highlighted the country’s importance in Apple’s long-term strategy.
Although Apple has not made an official announcement regarding the succession plan, reports suggest that the company is preparing for a smooth leadership transition. Jeff Williams, who is known for his operational expertise and close collaboration with Tim Cook, has been instrumental in shaping Apple’s product development and launch processes over the past decade.
Industry observers are watching the situation closely, as any change in Apple’s top leadership structure could signal shifts in company priorities, especially in areas like manufacturing diversification, sustainability, and emerging markets.
As of now, Apple continues to focus on its upcoming product launches and operational efficiency under Khan’s direction. Whether or not an official announcement is made in the near future, Sabih Khan’s rise within Apple is already being seen as a milestone moment in the global technology leadership landscape.
