Apple COO Jeff Williams to step down later this month

CUPERTINO, CA – Apple Inc. announced on Tuesday that Jeff Williams, the company’s highly respected chief operating officer, will be stepping down from his role later this month. Succeeding him will be Sabih Khan, currently serving as the senior vice president of operations, marking a significant leadership transition within the tech giant.

Williams’ decision to retire stems from a desire to “spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting,” as stated in the official press release. His departure marks the end of an illustrious nearly three-decade career at Apple, where he played an instrumental role in shaping many of the company’s most iconic products and operational strategies.

Before his full retirement later this year, Williams will continue to report directly to CEO Tim Cook. During this transitional period, he will maintain oversight of Apple’s renowned design team and the innovative Apple Watch division. Following Williams’ retirement, the design team will transition to reporting directly to Cook, consolidating key creative oversight under the CEO.

Jeff Williams’ extensive tenure at Apple is marked by significant contributions across the company’s product landscape. He was a pivotal figure in the introduction and scaling of both the iPod and iPhone programs, products that revolutionized their respective industries. Furthermore, Williams led the development and successful launch of the Apple Watch, establishing it as a leader in the wearable technology market. His leadership extended to overseeing the design team, ensuring that Apple’s commitment to meticulous design and user experience remained paramount.

The transition underscores Apple’s commitment to internal succession planning and continuity in its operational excellence, as Sabih Khan, with his extensive experience, steps into one of the most critical roles within the company.