Sabih Khan educational qualification: Which global classrooms forged the leader behind Apple's next chapter?

Time of India

09-07-2025

Apple has announced a significant leadership change with a new India-origin Chief Operating Officer (COO) set to take over the duties from the current Jeff Williams. Like a master clockmaker inheriting the keys to a precision timepiece, Khan brings three decades of operational expertise to this pivotal appointment for the technology giant.
But what educational foundation propelled this Moradabad-born engineer to Silicon Valley's summit?
From Moradabad to global leadership
Born in Moradabad,
Uttar Pradesh
, in 1966, Sabih Khan's journey to Silicon Valley began in India. However, his early life took him across continents. During his childhood, his family relocated to Singapore, giving him early exposure to diverse cultures, a trait that would prove crucial in managing Apple's global operations.
His journey eventually led him to the United States, where he set the foundation for a career that would see him rise to the top of Apple's operational ladder.
Dual degrees from
Tufts University
Khan's academic journey truly set him apart. He pursued a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Mechanical Engineering at Tufts University in Massachusetts, a unique combination that few executives possess. This dual-degree strategy provided Khan with an integrated skill set, technical expertise to understand engineering challenges, and business acumen to handle market dynamics and financial strategies.
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The Economics degree helped Khan hone his ability to think strategically about cost management, market positioning, and financial viability, essential skills for navigating the complex dynamics of a tech giant like Apple. Meanwhile, his Mechanical Engineering degree equipped him with the problem-solving tools necessary for Apple's intricate manufacturing processes and product development cycles. Together, they made him a rare leader fluent in both the language of engineering and the dialect of business.
Master's degree to deepen technical mastery
Khan didn't stop there. He pursued a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), one of the oldest and most respected engineering schools in the United States. Here, he deepened his understanding of engineering systems, manufacturing processes, and innovative problem-solving methods, skills that would become invaluable as he led Apple's operational efforts.
This advanced training gave him the analytical and research skills that would set him apart from others in his field, giving him the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with Apple's engineering teams while overseeing large-scale manufacturing and supply chain operations.
Laying bricks for early career foundation at GE
Before joining Apple in 1995, Khan honed his operational skills at GE Plastics, a division of General Electric. At GE, Khan worked for various technical and operational roles, gaining exposure to industrial manufacturing, supply chain management, and technical leadership.
This early exposure to large-scale operations provided Khan with practical insights into manufacturing systems and global supply chains, insights that proved invaluable when he transitioned to Apple.
Experience of decades
When Khan joined Apple in 1995, he wasn't just another engineer; he was a key player in Apple's operational strategy. Over the next three decades, Khan would rise steadily through the ranks, taking on increasingly important roles.
His work behind the scenes, managing Apple's global supply chain, product development lifecycles, and manufacturing excellence, has been instrumental in ensuring that Apple consistently delivers high-quality products like the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Khan's ability to manage complex global operations, optimise supply chain efficiency, and maintain the quality standards Apple is known for made him the invisible architect behind the company's operational success.
His work may not have been in the spotlight, but it was central to Apple's ability to scale at the level it has.
Promotion that pays off years of hardwork
In July 2025, Apple announced that Khan would officially take over as the company's Chief Operating Officer (COO). This role is pivotal in managing every aspect of Apple's global operations, from product development and manufacturing to customer support and logistics.
In his new position, Khan will work directly with CEO Tim Cook and Apple's leadership team, continuing to oversee the company's complex operational framework while ensuring the efficiency and quality Apple is renowned for.
His promotion is a testament to his ability to navigate Apple's operational challenges while maintaining the company's focus on innovation and sustainability.
Quiet leadership with a strategic vision
Known for his quiet leadership style, Khan is a leader who doesn't seek the limelight. Instead, he's known for his deep technical knowledge, attention to detail, and long-term vision. His strategic focus on operational efficiency, combined with his technical expertise, has been central to Apple's ability to deliver cutting-edge products at scale.
As COO, Khan's responsibilities will encompass not just supply chain management, but also quality assurance and operational strategy across all Apple product lines. His work will continue to ensure that Apple remains a global leader in technology, meeting the challenges of an increasingly competitive market while adhering to the company's core values of quality, efficiency, and ethical responsibility.
A legacy of education and operational excellence
Khan's rise to COO underscores the power of a carefully placed educational foundation.
His combination of engineering expertise, business acumen, and operational experience has made him uniquely qualified to lead Apple through the next phase of its journey. As he takes on the role of COO, Khan's education, from his dual degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering at Tufts University to his Master's in Mechanical Engineering from RPI, will continue to guide his leadership approach.
Khan's appointment signals that Apple is confident in his ability to steer the company through the complexities of a global market. With his strategic vision, technical precision, and operational mastery, Khan is well-positioned to help Apple maintain its leadership in the tech industry for years to come.
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