Sabih Khan: What are the Educational Qualifications of Apple’s Next Operations Chief?

Sabih Khan is Apple’s new Chief Operating Officer. He’s the man now behind the world’s most complex supply chain, and he’s not new to the game. Khan has been with Apple since 1995. In July 2025, Apple confirmed its promotion after Jeff Williams stepped down. That’s big news.

So, who is Sabih Khan? Where did he study? How did his education shape his journey from a young engineer to one of the most powerful executives in tech? That’s what we’re here to unpack.

We’ll look at how his degrees in mechanical engineering and economics helped him build the backbone of Apple’s global operations. We’ll talk about his early life, what he learned at Tufts University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and how those lessons play out in the real world, in factories, freight routes, and clean energy systems.

This isn’t just a story about a promotion. It’s a story of how education, discipline, and global experience come together to lead one of the world’s most valuable companies.

Early Life: From Moradabad to Singapore

Sabih was born in 1966 in Moradabad, India. At age 10, his family moved to Singapore. He had early exposure to diverse cultures. That helped shape his global outlook.

Dual Bachelor’s Degrees at Tufts University

We see the start of proof of his balanced mind in his schooling. He completed dual bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics at Tufts University. The mix gave him both technical depth and strategic insight.

Master’s Degree from RPI

Khan later pursued his studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. There, he earned a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering. This advanced study strengthened his ability to solve tough, technical problems.

GS Plastics: The First Job

Before Apple, Sabih worked at GE Plastics. He started as an applications development engineer and later became a key account technical leader. This practical engineering experience taught him about manufacturing and supplier relations.

Joining Apple in 1995

He joined Apple’s procurement team in 1995. We see how his combined knowledge in engineering and economics made him a natural fit. Over time, he began to shape Apple’s global operations.

Climbing the Ranks

Khan was elevated to the role of Senior Vice President of Operations in 2019. He led Apple’s global supply chain, manufacturing partners, logistics, product quality, and supplier‑responsibility programs.

Education’s Role in Leadership

We believe his dual degree gave him a powerful lens. Engineering taught him systems-level thinking. Economics trained him in cost efficiency and market strategy. RPI sharpened his technical credibility. Together, his studies helped him run global operations at scale.

Major Impact at Apple

Under Khan’s watch, Apple has shored up its supply chain. He helped launch green manufacturing partnerships. He led the response during COVID‑19, keeping production stable.
Tim Cook said Khan was a “brilliant strategist” and “one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain.” He noted Khan helped cut Apple’s carbon footprint by over 60%.

Transition to COO

Apple confirmed Khan’s move to COO in July 2025. Jeff Williams will continue at Apple until the end of the year, overseeing both the Apple Watch and the design department. Following his exit, the design team will report directly to Tim Cook.

Challenges Ahead

Khan comes in at a strategic moment. Apple faces US-China trade tensions and possible tariffs. The company is shifting iPhone production to India. Reducing risk and increasing resilience is key. Khan’s proven track record gives us confidence here.

Conclusion

Sabih Khan’s story shows how strong education and global experience can lead to top roles. His journey from Tufts and RPI to Apple’s executive team is inspiring. As COO, he brings technical, economic, and ethical leadership. We’re heading into a new phase of Apple’s operations, and Khan is ready for the task.

FAQS:

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Always conduct your research.