Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams to Step Down Later This Month
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On Tuesday, Apple announced that its long-time Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, will be stepping down from his role later this month. Williams’ successor will be Sabih Khan, who has been Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations since 2019. Apple says Khan, who has been in charge of Apple’s global supply chain, has “helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing.”
Williams will continue reporting directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook in a special projects role, overseeing Apple’s design team and Apple Watch as part of the company’s Health initiatives. When Williams retires later this year, Apple’s design team will then begin reporting directly to Cook.
Cook had high praise for Williams and the job he’s done at Apple over the years:
Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him. He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple’s health strategy; and led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication. I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship. Jeff’s true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he’s created and, while he’ll be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands.
Apple CEO Tim Cook
As you might expect, Cook also had favorable comments to make about Williams’ successor Kahn. (KAHN!):
Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain. While overseeing Apple’s supply chain, he has helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, overseen the expansion of Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the United States, and helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges. He has advanced our ambitious efforts in environmental sustainability, helping reduce Apple’s carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.
Apple CEO Tim Cook
Sabih Khan has been Apple’s senior vice president of Operations, reporting directly to Williams. He has directed Apple’s global supply chain, overseeing product quality, as well as planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment functions. Khan also worked with Apple’s supplier responsibility programs, ensuring that workers are protected and educated at production partners’ facilities around the globe. His team also supports Apple’s environmental initiatives, partnering with the company’s suppliers to ensure green manufacturing.
Khan will be gradually transitioning into the role of COO starting later this month, as the transition is a part of a “long-planned succession.”
Williams is planning to spend more time with his growing family after 40 years in the industry, 27 of those years with Apple. He says he is confident that his successor will be the one to help lead Apple into the future.
I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime, and I can’t thank Tim enough for the opportunity, his inspirational leadership, and our friendship over the years. June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years and I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership in this role.
Jeff Williams, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer
