Tech giant Apple has appointed Indian-origin executive Sabih Khan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a major leadership shift as the company faces slowing iPhone sales and tariff-related challenges.

Khan will succeed Jeff Williams, who is stepping down from the COO role this month and will retire later this year. Williams, a 27-year veteran at Apple, will continue to oversee design and health initiatives until his departure. Afterward, the design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook.

In a statement, Cook praised Williams’ lasting contributions: “Jeff helped build one of the world’s best supply chains, launched the Apple Watch, and shaped our health and design strategies.”

Sabih Khan, who joined Apple in 2019 as Senior Vice President of Operations, has played a crucial role in managing Apple’s global supply chain, procurement, and manufacturing. He has also overseen efforts to reduce Apple’s dependence on China by expanding production to countries like India.

Khan will now report directly to Tim Cook and take on broader responsibilities, including AppleCare.

“Sabih is a brilliant strategist and a key architect of our global supply chain,” said Cook. “His leadership in sustainability helped reduce Apple’s carbon footprint by more than 60 percent.”

Khan holds degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

His appointment comes at a critical time as Apple continues its manufacturing shift toward India to navigate global trade and tariff issues.