Among the top minds behind Apple’s global success, Sabih Khan stands out as a strategic force in Apple operations. As Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Khan is responsible for managing the supply chain, manufacturing infrastructure, product quality, and sustainability—elements that enable Apple to deliver innovation at an unmatched scale and consistency.
While Apple executives like Tim Cook and Jeff Williams often receive the public spotlight, Sabih Khan plays a critical behind-the-scenes role that keeps the company’s massive global machine running with precision. His leadership defines Apple’s commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and operational efficiency.
Background and Rise: Sabih Khan’s Journey to Apple Executive Leadership
Sabih Khan joined Apple in 1995. Over nearly three decades, he progressed through various leadership positions, gaining a reputation for his deep technical expertise, pragmatic management style, and global vision.
Prior to his current role, Khan served in multiple senior positions across Apple’s supply chain and operations. In 2019, he was appointed Senior Vice President of Operations, reporting directly to Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams.
Educational Background:
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Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Tufts University
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Master’s in Mechanical Engineering – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
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MBA – Cornell University
This combination of engineering and business acumen equips Khan with the analytical and operational skills required to lead one of the most complex supply chains in the world.
Apple Operations: Orchestrating Global Supply Chain Strategy
Managing One of the World’s Largest Supply Chains
Sabih Khan oversees the end-to-end supply chain for Apple’s vast product lineup—including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and more. Under his leadership, Apple has developed:
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A highly efficient just-in-time (JIT) inventory system
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A resilient network of over 200 global suppliers
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Production facilities that operate with environmental responsibility and scalability
Khan’s operations group coordinates everything from sourcing rare earth materials to final product assembly, ensuring Apple maintains both quality control and on-time delivery across continents.
Commitment to Sustainability in Manufacturing
One of Khan’s key initiatives is sustainable manufacturing. He has led Apple’s transition to 100% renewable energy in many supply chain facilities and championed responsible sourcing for key materials like cobalt and aluminum.
Apple, under Khan’s operational leadership, has:
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Deployed robotic disassembly systems (like Daisy) to recycle iPhones
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Launched the Supplier Clean Energy Program
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Ensured suppliers adopt zero waste and low-carbon practices
COVID-19 Response and Operational Agility
Khan’s leadership was particularly tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that exposed weaknesses in global logistics and production networks. While many companies faced massive production delays and shortages, Apple—thanks in large part to Khan’s proactive planning and supplier diversification—managed to maintain product launches with minimal disruption.
Key Strategies During the Pandemic:
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Alternative sourcing and redundancy planning
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Real-time data analytics to monitor and shift resources
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Health and safety protocols across supply chain facilities
This performance solidified Apple’s reputation for operational resilience under pressure.
Sabih Khan’s Influence on Apple’s Future
As Apple ventures further into new categories—such as augmented reality, custom silicon (M-series chips), and health tech—Khan’s role becomes even more crucial. Scalable and sustainable operations are essential for launching next-generation products globally.
Khan is also integral to Apple’s push toward carbon neutrality by 2030, ensuring that the company’s entire supply chain and product lifecycle—from manufacturing to recycling—aligns with environmental goals.
Comparison with Other Apple Executives
| Executive | Role | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Cook | CEO | Vision, strategy, global leadership |
| Jeff Williams | COO | Product development, health tech, daily ops |
| Sabih Khan | SVP, Operations | Supply chain, manufacturing, sustainability |
| John Ternus | SVP, Hardware Engineering | Hardware innovation, industrial design |
| Deirdre O’Brien | SVP, Retail + People | Retail experience, HR leadership |
Khan’s technical execution complements Cook’s strategic oversight and Williams’ operational innovation, forming a robust triangle at Apple’s executive core.
Sabih Khan’s Quiet but Critical Leadership
Though rarely in the limelight, Sabih Khan’s leadership at Apple has redefined what world-class operations look like in the modern era. From managing one of the most sophisticated supply chains ever built to advancing Apple’s sustainability ambitions, Khan is instrumental to the company’s continued dominance.
His combination of engineering rigor, operational foresight, and ethical commitment exemplifies the modern executive’s role in a global tech powerhouse. As Apple evolves, Sabih Khan’s influence will remain foundational to its seamless performance and responsible growth.
