COO Jeff Williams, who was seen as a possible successor to Apple CEO Tim Cook, is leaving the company
In a press release on July 8, 2025, Apple announced that it would hand over the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) from Jeff Williams to Savih Khan, Apple's vice president of operations. Williams, who has served as Apple's COO since 2015, was seen as a possible successor to CEO Tim Cook, but has expressed his intention to step down at the end of 2025.
Apple announces chief operating officer transition - Apple
Apple COO Jeff Williams is retiring | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/news/701576/apple-coo-jeff-williams-retiring-sabih-khan
In a press release announcing the change in COO, Williams said, 'I love Apple deeply. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to work with the incredible people at this company. I can't thank Tim enough for this opportunity, his incredible leadership and our friendship over the years. In June I will be celebrating my 27th anniversary at Apple and 40th in the industry. Next year, I plan to spend more time with my family and friends, including my five grandchildren. I have worked closely with Savi, our new COO, for 27 years and consider him to be the most talented operations executive in the world. I am confident that Apple's future will be greatly enhanced under his leadership.'
Several people familiar with Apple's internal affairs have said that if Cook were to step down in 2024, Williams, who serves as COO, would almost certainly be his successor. However, Williams is younger than Cook, but only two years younger, and Apple's board of directors is said to be looking for a CEO who would stay in the position for 10 years or more like Cook, so age was also thought to be an issue.
Who will succeed Tim Cook as Apple's next CEO? - GIGAZINE
by Fortune Global Forum
'Jeff and I have worked together for as long as I can remember. He helped build one of the most respected global supply chains in the world, oversaw the launch and development of Apple Watch, architected Apple's health strategy, and led a world-class team of designers with incredible wisdom, passion and dedication,' said Apple CEO Tim Cook. 'Apple would not be what it is today without him. Jeff's true legacy is seen in the incredible team he has built. He will be greatly missed, but the future of his work will be in great hands.'
When Jony Ive, known for designing the iPhone and iMac, left Apple, Apple's design team was led by Alan Dye, Apple's vice president of human interface design, and Evans Hankey, who led the hardware division, and the two reported directly to Williams. After Hankey left Apple in 2023, William oversaw the design team, Apple Watch, and healthcare-related businesses. It was announced that after Williams retires at the end of 2025, the design team will transition to a system where it reports directly to CEO Cook.
Following Williams' retirement, Savi Khan was appointed COO. Khan has been with Apple for 30 years and joined the management team as senior vice president of operations in 2019, overseeing Apple's global supply chain, ensuring product quality, planning, logistics, etc. Khan's team also works with suppliers to support Apple's environmental efforts.
Regarding Mr. Khan, CEO Cook said, 'Mr. Khan is a brilliant strategist and has been at the core of Apple's supply chain. In his role as head of Apple's supply chain, he helped pioneer new technologies in advanced manufacturing, oversaw the expansion of Apple's manufacturing base in the United States, and helped strengthen Apple's ability to respond nimbly to global challenges. He has driven our ambitious efforts toward environmental sustainability, helping to reduce Apple's carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. Above all, Mr. Khan has demonstrated leadership based on his passion and values, and I am confident he will be an excellent Chief Operating Officer (COO).'
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