Tim Cook’s Tim Cook Stepping Down From Apple

Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams is stepping down from his role next month and leaving the company later this year to spend more time with friends and family.

When current CEO Tim Cook took over in 2011, Williams was seen as his natural successor in the operations role, both being skilled in an area that Steve Jobs wasn’t. Apple appointed Williams to the newly recreated COO role in 2015, after he oversaw Apple’s production and supply operations since Cook became the big boss.

Apple-watchers felt the new job for Williams indicated he was a candidate to succeed Cook as CEO. That’s not going to happen now.

“June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family, including five grandchildren and counting,” Williams said in a press release.

Sabih Khan, 2IC on Apple’s ops team, will take over from Williams. Khan has worked at Apple for 30 years.

Williams heartily endorsed his replacement.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years and I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership in this role,” he wrote.

Williams played a pivotal role in the development of the Apple Watch, although his foray into the never-officially-announced Apple car did not drive a new product. In 2013, Williams was the fourth most highly paid executive in the S&P 500, outpacing even Cook after receiving $68.7 million, mostly in restricted stock units, for the year.

Williams will remain at Apple for a while yet and is reportedly very involved in Apple’s forays into the medical market, particularly in building AI-powered diagnostic software.

After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree, Williams spent 13 years at IBM and was apparently preparing to move to Dell when Cook gave him a call. Williams said he was initially skeptical and thought the company would go belly up in a few years (a not uncommon view, as Michael Dell pointed out) but decided to join because he loved Apple’s enthusiasm and energy.

“Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him,” said Cook.

“I am and will always be beyond grateful for his numerous contributions to Apple over the years and his loyal friendship. Jeff’s true legacy can be seen in the amazing team he’s created and, while he’ll be greatly missed, he leaves the work of the future in incredible hands.” ®

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