Sabih Khan: A Quiet Force Behind Apple’s Global Success
In a world where CEOs often dominate headlines, some leaders shine quietly—through their work, values, and enduring commitment. One such figure is Sabih Khan, the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Apple. His appointment marks a historic moment, especially for Indian-origin professionals in global tech leadership.
Khan’s journey from Moradabad, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India, to Apple’s executive suite is not just about career growth—it’s about perseverance, purpose, and principles.
From Moradabad to Silicon Valley: The Early Years
Sabih Khan was born in 1966 in Moradabad. At a young age, his family moved to Singapore, where he completed most of his schooling before moving to the United States. There, he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University, and later a Master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
His academic journey reflects his strong foundation in both technical and business fields—a combination that would later make him indispensable at Apple.
Humble Beginnings at GE and a Turning Point
Before joining Apple, Khan started his professional journey at GE Plastics, where he worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader. The role shaped his understanding of global supply chains, client relationships, and product development.
This blend of hands-on engineering and strategic thinking would eventually define his leadership style—deeply involved, solution-oriented, and quietly influential.
30 Years at Apple: Loyalty Meets Vision
Sabih Khan joined Apple in 1995, long before the iPhone revolution. Over three decades, he rose through the ranks, playing a vital role in building and scaling Apple’s global supply chain, a feat that helped Apple become one of the most efficient and sustainable tech giants in the world.
In 2019, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, reporting directly to COO Jeff Williams. His role included overseeing product manufacturing, logistics, procurement, and sustainability.
Championing Sustainability and Responsible Innovation
Khan has been a driving force behind Apple’s environmental initiatives, helping reduce its carbon footprint by more than 60% in recent years. He worked extensively with suppliers to implement green manufacturing, foster ethical labor practices, and develop renewable energy solutions across Apple’s global operations.
His efforts showed that operations leadership could be environmentally responsible and commercially strategic at the same time—a rare blend in corporate leadership.
Apple’s New COO: A Natural Transition
In July 2025, Apple announced that Sabih Khan would take over as COO, succeeding Jeff Williams, who held the position for nearly a decade. CEO Tim Cook described Khan as a “brilliant strategist” and “a central architect of Apple’s supply chain.”
What makes Khan’s leadership style stand out is his humility, consistency, and human-centric approach. He is known for mentoring teams with empathy, managing crises with calm, and always keeping people and planet at the heart of Apple’s operations.
Leadership with a Heart
Those who have worked closely with Khan describe him as a quiet powerhouse—someone who leads not by loud declarations, but by action and reliability. He rarely seeks the spotlight but is often at the center of Apple’s biggest achievements.
His Indian upbringing, coupled with global exposure, gives him a unique cultural balance—humble roots and global thinking.
What Lies Ahead for Khan and Apple
As Apple’s new COO, Sabih Khan faces immense responsibility:
Navigating supply chain complexities in an evolving geopolitical climate
Expanding Apple’s manufacturing footprint in India and other non-China locations
Accelerating climate-friendly production models
Innovating across AppleCare, logistics, and product delivery
Given his track record, industry experts believe Khan is well-equipped to steer Apple into a sustainable, resilient, and human-focused future.
A Milestone for Indian-Origin Talent in Tech
Khan’s rise is part of a larger narrative: the global recognition of Indian-origin leaders in tech. From Sundar Pichai at Google to Satya Nadella at Microsoft, and now Sabih Khan at Apple—these leaders represent the strength of diverse talent in shaping global innovation.
His appointment brings pride not just to India, but to millions of immigrants and young professionals who dream big, stay grounded, and lead with integrity.
Final Thoughts
Sabih Khan may not be a household name yet, but his impact on one of the world’s most iconic companies is undeniable. As Apple’s new COO, he brings more than just operational brilliance—he brings heart, values, and vision. From Moradabad’s quiet streets to Cupertino’s bustling boardrooms, his journey is a story of hope, excellence, and purposeful leadership.
