Meet Sabih Khan: The Moradabad-Born Engineer Now Steering Apple’s Global Operations

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Apple just made a big move; not a shiny new iPhone or a bold product launch, but a quiet leadership change that speaks volumes. Sabih Khan, a name most Apple users might not know yet, is now stepping into one of the most powerful roles at the company: Chief Operating Officer.

He'll be taking over from Jeff Williams, who's been with Apple for nearly 30 years and plans to retire at the end of 2025. For Sabih, who's been behind the scenes for decades, this is a well-earned moment in the spotlight.

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From Moradabad To Apple Park

Sabih Khan's journey reads less like a straight line and more like a global map. Born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, in 1966, his early childhood unfolded in India before his family moved to Singapore. From there, he headed to the U.S. for college and didn't just pick one major. He earned two bachelor's degrees from Tufts University, one in economics and another in mechanical engineering. Then he went on to complete a master's at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

In short, he's always been the kind of guy who blends curiosity with discipline.

The Apple Chapter: Almost 30 Years In The Making

You might assume that someone poised to lead global operations at a tech giant like Apple began with a high-profile role. But Sabih Khan started in a more grounded way-joining the company's procurement team back in 1995.

Since then, he's become the architect of Apple's famously efficient (and massive) global supply chain. If you've ever unboxed an iPhone on launch day and wondered how Apple managed to get it to millions of people across the world at the same time, Sabih Khan is part of that answer.

The Calm Force Behind Apple's Global Machine

According to Tim Cook,"Sabih works with heart and integrity," Cook said, describing him as a brilliant strategist who's helped shape Apple's supply chain and manufacturing approach for years.

And he's not just about logistics. Under his leadership, Apple reduced its carbon footprint by more than 60% thanks to major changes in how and where its products are made. He's pushed for greener manufacturing, better conditions for workers in Apple's supply chain, and smarter systems that can adapt to global challenges.

Representation That Resonates

Let's be real: it's rare to see Indian-origin executives in top-tier roles at legacy tech companies. And Khan's rise-quiet, steady, and full of substance feels especially meaningful to many who've grown up seeing very few people like him in the driver's seat of global innovation.

He's not a household name, but maybe that's what makes this so refreshing. There's something reassuring about seeing someone climb slowly, stay the course, and eventually step into a position of influence without needing to shout about it.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

So What's Next?

As Apple gears up for its next wave of innovation (AR glasses, AI features, and who knows what else), Sabih Khan will be the one making sure all the pieces move smoothly. Manufacturing, logistics, sustainability, supply chain decisions, it's all on his plate now.

But knowing his track record, he's probably already quietly planning what the next five years will look like. And not just for Apple, but for how big tech balances business with responsibility.