Sabih Khan, a quiet yet immensely influential figure at Apple, is set to become the company's next Chief Operating Officer (COO), according to recent reports. With over two decades of experience steering Apple’s global supply chain and manufacturing operations, Khan is now positioned to take on a more prominent leadership role as the tech giant enters a new phase of expansion and resilience building.
🏗️ A Veteran of Apple’s Operational Core
Sabih Khan joined Apple in 1995 and has steadily climbed the ranks, known internally as a behind-the-scenes architect of Apple’s famously efficient and reliable global supply chain. He has worked under the leadership of both Tim Cook and Jeff Williams, gaining reputation for ensuring Apple products are built, tested, and shipped with exceptional consistency.
In 2019, he was appointed to the executive team as Senior Vice President of Operations, where he continued to oversee global supply chain logistics, product quality, and labor rights initiatives.
🌍 Driving Global Supply Chain Innovation
Khan has played a central role in enabling Apple to scale production across multiple countries including China, India, and Vietnam, while also diversifying Apple’s supplier base. His leadership during the pandemic kept Apple’s supply chain remarkably resilient despite massive global disruptions — a feat that solidified his standing within the company.
Under his supervision, Apple also deepened its commitments to sustainability, working with suppliers to reduce carbon emissions and expand renewable energy usage in production facilities.
🔧 Engineering Background Meets Operational Precision
Khan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His technical foundation gives him a unique edge in bridging Apple’s engineering innovation with scalable, real-world execution.
🤝 The Trusted Successor in Tim Cook’s Inner Circle
Though not a public-facing figure like some of his counterparts, Khan is highly regarded within Apple’s inner circle. His promotion to COO is seen not only as a reward for decades of loyalty and effectiveness but also as a strategic move to further solidify Apple's industrial operations amid mounting geopolitical and market uncertainties.
🔮 What to Expect from Khan’s COO Era
Sabih Khan’s tenure as COO is expected to focus on supply chain diversification, sustainability, and operational efficiency in an era where Apple must balance innovation with geopolitical risks. He may also be tasked with overseeing Apple's push into AI hardware and expanding production capabilities in emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia.
His ability to deliver under pressure, combined with a methodical approach to scaling operations, will be key to Apple’s next growth chapter.