Apple COO Jeff Williams retiring later in 2025, replaced by SVP Sabih Khan

Apple COO transition between Jeff Williams and Sabih Khan. Image source: Apple

Jeff Williams has been Apple’s Chief Operating Officer since 2010, but he’s begun his retirement process and will be passing the reins to Sabih Khan.

Rumors have been swirling about the potential replacement plan for Apple’s executives, namely the CEO, and one of the names that always cropped up was COO Jeff Williams. He’s been considered basically identical to Apple CEO Tim Cook in terms of goals and leadership style, though with Tuesday’s news, it seems he’s no longer in the running.

According to a press release from Apple, COO Jeff Williams will step down and transition his role to Sabih Khan later in July. He will remain with Apple and report directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook while overseeing the design team until his retirement later in the year.

Jeff Williams joined Apple in 1998 as head of Worldwide Procurement, then took over worldwide operations in 2010. He’s also been the driver behind the design, fitness, and health initiatives.

“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,” said Tim Cook.

“I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship,” Cook added. “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.”

Khan is another longtime Apple employee who joined the company in 1995 and isn’t exactly young either. At 59, he’s only a few years younger than Apple CEO Tim Cook.

“Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain,” Cook shared about Khan. “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.”

Kahn took over the SVP of operations role in 2019 and will be the new COO. As such, he’s next in line if Cook ever needs to step down, just as Cook was when Steve was in charge.

Apple still needs to announce a CEO succession plan. Image source: Apple

The CEO elephant in the room

However, this transition and retirement lead to an even more burning question on Apple’s succession plans. As Cook continues to age in his position, no true successor has been named.

That said, Cook said he’d leave Apple within the next ten years in 2021, so there’s still time for Apple to make a public announcement about that plan. Cook is showing no signs of slowing down anyway, as he was responsible for Apple’s meteoric rise in his first decade, and seems on track to continue breaking records in his second.

Apple did not share who would be replacing Williams in his roles in the design or other teams he heads beyond the design team reporting directly to Cook. Williams officially retires from Apple later in 2025.