Introduction
In July 2025, Sabih Khan became a globally recognized name when Apple Inc. appointed him as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). A man of Indian origin from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Sabih Khan has played a pivotal role in building Apple’s unmatched supply chain for nearly three decades.
This article explores Sabih Khan’s biography, professional achievements, Apple career, and what makes him a vital force behind Apple’s operational success. With a career marked by innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, Khan is now among the most influential tech executives of Indian origin in the world.
✅ Who is Sabih Khan?
Sabih Khan is an Indian-American engineer and business executive born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. In July 2025, he was appointed the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Apple, one of the world’s most valuable and influential technology companies.
With a strong academic background and a remarkable track record at Apple, Sabih Khan is recognized for his expertise in operations, global supply chains, procurement, and sustainability.
🎓 Early Life and Education
- Born: 1966, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Grew up: In India and later moved to Singapore
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University, USA
- Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), USA
Sabih’s blend of engineering and economic knowledge laid a strong foundation for a career that would blend technical precision with business acumen.
🏢 Career Beginnings
Before joining Apple, Sabih Khan worked at GE Plastics, where he held roles in:
- Applications Development Engineering
- Key Account Technical Leadership
At GE, he developed a reputation for solving complex engineering problems and managing high-value client relationships, which later became a cornerstone of his work at Apple.
🍏 Apple Journey – From Engineer to COO
🛫 Joined Apple in 1995
Sabih Khan entered Apple as a procurement engineer and worked his way up through various operations-related roles.
🔧 SVP of Operations – 2019
In June 2019, Khan was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, where he oversaw Apple’s:
- Product Manufacturing
- Logistics and Fulfillment
- Supplier Responsibility
- Environmental Sustainability
- Manufacturing Quality
He reported directly to Jeff Williams, Apple’s previous COO.
🏆 Major Contributions at Apple
1. Mastermind of Apple’s Global Supply Chain
- Designed and managed one of the most efficient global supply chains in the tech industry
- Played a key role in ensuring the on-time delivery of iPhones, iPads, and Macs worldwide
2. Sustainability Leadership
- Pushed Apple toward its carbon neutrality goals
- Ensured over 60% carbon footprint reduction in Apple’s manufacturing processes
3. Supplier Responsibility and Worker Welfare
- Spearheaded Apple’s global supplier responsibility programs
- Focused on worker rights, ethical sourcing, and humanitarian compliance
4. Crisis Management
- Navigated supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic with minimal impact
- Strengthened Apple’s resilience through supply diversification, especially in India and Southeast Asia
👨💼 Sabih Khan as Apple’s Chief Operating Officer (COO)
On July 8, 2025, Apple officially announced Sabih Khan’s appointment as COO, succeeding Jeff Williams in a planned transition.
What His Role Includes:
- Leading Apple’s entire operations infrastructure
- Overseeing hardware engineering, supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing
- Collaborating closely with Apple CEO Tim Cook and other C-level leaders
Why It Matters:
- He becomes one of the highest-ranking Indian-origin executives at Apple
- His leadership will shape the next decade of Apple’s growth, especially in sustainability and manufacturing innovation
🌍 India Connection and Global Impact
Sabih Khan is part of the growing list of Indian-origin leaders in global tech, alongside:
- Sundar Pichai (Google/Alphabet CEO)
- Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO)
- Arvind Krishna (IBM CEO)
Key Contributions Toward India:
- Helped expand Apple’s manufacturing base in India, including iPhone production
- Strengthened Apple’s ties with Indian suppliers, supporting the “Make in India” initiative
🧠 Leadership Style and Philosophy
- Strategic Visionary: Focused on long-term growth and supply chain resilience
- Sustainability Advocate: Pioneered eco-friendly manufacturing at Apple
- People-Centric: Ensures fair labor practices across Apple’s global supplier base
📰 Media Recognition and Public Praise
- Tim Cook, Apple CEO, praised Khan as “a brilliant strategist and a master of execution”
- Featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, and Reuters as a top global operations leader
- Described as a “quiet operator” who builds massive impact behind the scenes
📌 Summary Table – Sabih Khan Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sabih Khan |
| Birthplace | Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Born | 1966 |
| Education | Tufts University, RPI |
| Previous Employer | GE Plastics |
| Joined Apple | 1995 |
| Promoted to SVP of Operations | 2019 |
| Became COO | July 2025 |
| Known For | Supply chain mastery, sustainability focus |
| Nationality | Indian-American |
📣 Conclusion
Sabih Khan’s journey from Moradabad to Apple’s executive boardroom is not just a tale of success—it’s an inspiring example of global leadership powered by Indian values, technical brilliance, and ethical commitment.
As the newly appointed COO of Apple, Khan is now among the top decision-makers shaping the future of global technology. With a deep understanding of operations, a commitment to sustainability, and a people-first leadership style, Sabih Khan is set to lead Apple through its next wave of innovation and global growth.
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