Apple has announced that its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) would be Sabih Khan, an executive of Indian descent who has worked for the computer firm for 30 years.

Jeff Williams, who is leaving the position this month and plans to retire later this year, will be replaced by Khan. The change in leadership occurs while Apple is dealing with problems like declining iPhone sales and tariffs.

Until his retirement, Jeff Williams, who has over 27 years of experience with Apple, will continue to head the company’s design team and health initiatives.

Tim Cook, the CEO, will then receive direct reports from Apple’s design staff. Cook called Williams an important contributor to Apple’s success and commended him for his outstanding efforts.

He gave Williams credit for creating one of the world’s greatest supply chains, introducing the Apple Watch, establishing the company’s health policy, and guiding the design team with zeal and dedication.

In 2019, Sabih Khan became the Senior Vice President of Operations at Apple. He has been crucial in supervising manufacturing and procurement as well as the company’s global supply chain.

Khan will answer to Tim Cook as the new COO and is anticipated to assume additional duties, such as managing AppleCare.

“Sabih is a brilliant strategist and a key architect of Apple’s supply chain,” Cook said, praising Khan. He has increased Apple’s production in the US, helped bring in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, and given the business greater adaptability to deal with issues around the world.

Cook also acknowledged Khan’s work in advancing environmental sustainability, pointing out that it has helped Apple cut its carbon footprint by almost 60%.

The change coincides with Apple’s efforts to lessen the effects of US tariffs by moving some of its manufacture from China to India.

Sabih Khan received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University.