Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief working officer accountable for the corporate’s international operations since 2010, will retire later this 12 months. Even earlier than then, although, his place will likely be stuffed by Sabih Khan, who at present serves as senior vp of operations.
Apple described the transfer as “a long-planned succession” in a press launch on Tuesday. The transfer actually ends years of hypothesis that Williams would sometime take Tim Cook dinner’s place as Apple CEO.
Apple CEO Tim Cook dinner pays tribute to retiring COO
“Jeff and I’ve labored alongside one another for so long as I can bear in mind, and Apple wouldn’t be what it’s with out him,” mentioned Apple CEO Tim Cook dinner within the press launch. “He’s helped to create one of the revered international provide chains on the planet; launched Apple Watch and overseen its growth; architected Apple’s well being technique; and led our world-class workforce of designers with nice knowledge, coronary heart, and dedication. I’m and can all the time be past grateful for his quite a few contributions to Apple over time and his loyal friendship. Jeff’s true legacy may be seen within the superb workforce he’s created and, whereas he’ll be drastically missed, he leaves the work of the long run in unbelievable fingers.”
Jeff Williams joined Apple in 1998 as head of worldwide procurement, and led the corporate’s worldwide operations since 2010. He performed a key position within the launch of the iPhone, and led the engineering growth of the Apple Watch.
He’ll step down as COO later in July, however proceed overseeing Apple’s design workforce and Apple Watch, in addition to the corporate’s well being initiatives. He’ll totally retire “late within the 12 months” — most likely after Apple finds executives to tackle all the various roles he at present performs on the firm.
As an instance Khan steps up
As senior vp of operations, Bibih Khan is accountable for Apple’s international provide chain.
“Sabih is an excellent strategist who has been one of many central architects of Apple’s provide chain,” mentioned Cook dinner within the press launch. “Whereas overseeing Apple’s provide chain, he has helped pioneer new applied sciences in superior manufacturing, overseen the growth of Apple’s manufacturing footprint in america, and helped make sure that Apple may be nimble in response to international challenges. He has superior our formidable efforts in environmental sustainability, serving to cut back Apple’s carbon footprint by greater than 60 p.c. Above all, Sabih leads together with his coronary heart and his values, and I do know he’ll make an distinctive Chief Working Officer.”
Khan joined Apple in 1995.
