Executive Compensation Framework at Apple
As Apple’s newly appointed Chief Operating Officer and former Senior Vice President of Operations, Sabih Khan receives compensation patterned after his predecessor, Jeff Williams. Williams earned a $1 million base salary, along with performance incentives that elevated his total compensation to approximately $23 million per year.
As COO, Khan is expected to follow a similar pay structure—balancing a solid salary with lucrative bonuses and equity awards.
Breakdown of Annual Earnings
1. Base Salary: ~$1 million
This aligns with Apple’s standard for C-suite executives, ensuring a stable cash component.
2. Performance Bonuses: $5–10 million
These bonuses are tied to product launches, supply chain efficiency, and environmental goals, mirroring Jeff Williams’s incentives The Economic Times.
3. Equity and Stock Grants: $15–20 million
Apple’s compensation packages typically include multi-year stock unit grants that vest over time, supplementing base pay and bonuses.
Estimating Total Annual Compensation
Combining these components yields:
| Component | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $1 million |
| Performance Bonuses | $5–10 million |
| Equity Grants (annually) | $15–20 million |
| Total Estimated Annual Compensation | $21–31 million |
Having spent over 30 years at Apple, Khan likely holds substantial vested equity. Crucial factors driving his net worth include:
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Multiple stock award cycles
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Steady vesting schedules
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Reinvestment of gains
Conservative estimates place his net worth between $100–200 million, a figure that reflects his growing wealth and Apple’s strong stock performance.
Comparison with Apple’s Top Executives
| Executive | Role | Annual Compensation | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Cook | CEO | $100M+ | $2B+ Reddit+7Observer+7Hindustan Times+7 |
| Jeff Williams | Former COO | ~$23M | $200M+ |
| Sabih Khan | New COO | $21–31M (est.) | $100–200M (est.) |
Given his expanded responsibilities as COO, Khan’s compensation and net worth are expected to continue growing. His wealth trajectory underscores the substantial rewards tied to senior executive performance and long-term equity appreciation at Apple.
