California: Apple has announced the appointment of Indian-origin executive Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective this month. Khan, who boasts three decades of experience at the technology giant, will succeed Jeff Williams, who is stepping down from the COO role this month and is set to retire later this year. This significant leadership transition occurs as Apple navigates various challenges, including a slowdown in iPhone sales and ongoing global tariff issues.

Jeff Williams, a veteran of over 27 years at Apple, will continue to oversee the company's design team and health projects until his full retirement. Following his departure, Apple’s design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook. Cook lauded Williams for his outstanding contributions, describing him as a pivotal figure in Apple’s sustained success. Cook specifically credited Williams with establishing one of the world’s most efficient supply chains, leading the launch of the Apple Watch, shaping the company's health strategy, and demonstrating passionate leadership within the design team.

Sabih Khan joined Apple in 2019 as Senior Vice President of Operations, where he has been instrumental in managing the company's extensive global supply chain and overseeing crucial aspects of procurement and manufacturing. In his new capacity as COO, Khan will report directly to Tim Cook and is expected to assume expanded responsibilities, including oversight of AppleCare.

Born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, Sabih Khan joined Apple in 1995. For nearly 30 years, he's been crucial in making sure Apple's products reach the market efficiently. Before Apple, he worked at GE Plastics.

CEO Tim Cook expressed high praise for Khan, remarking, "Sabih is a brilliant strategist and a key architect of Apple’s supply chain. He has helped introduce advanced manufacturing technologies, expanded Apple’s production in the United States, and made the company more flexible in handling global challenges." Cook also highlighted Khan's significant contributions to environmental sustainability efforts, noting a more than 60 per cent reduction in Apple's carbon footprint under his leadership.

This executive transition also aligns with Apple's strategic initiative to diversify its manufacturing base, particularly by shifting some production from China to India, a move designed to mitigate the impact of US tariffs. Sabih Khan holds a background in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

With inputs from IANS