Apple announced a sizeable shakeup within its executive ranks via a press release on Tuesday, noting that current Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jeff Williams would step down later this month, and with Senior Vice President of Operations Sabih Khan taking his place.
Despite stepping down from his role as COO, Williams will still report to Apple Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Cook and have an active voice with respect to Apple’s design team, the Apple Watch, and the company’s Health initiatives. Williams is expected to retire later in 2025, after which Apple’s design team will report directly to Cook.
In the announcement, Cook and Williams each had their own unique piece to share about the shakeup, which we’ve included for your reading pleasure below:
Tim Cook:
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.
Jeff Williams:
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.
While Williams has worked for Cupertino-based Apple for more than 27 years, ten of those were spent as Apple’s COO. Apple credits Williams with his efforts to enhance Apple’s global supply chain, including improving the working conditions of workers worldwide.
In terms of Williams’ successor, Khan has left quite the footprint at the company as well, putting him in a unique position to be highly qualified for the job he will be taking over. Cook had this to say about 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.”