Jeff Williams and the Apple Machine
Hello everyone.
Today’s update will serve as a wrap to our Jeff Williams / Sabih Khan / Apple COO transition discussion. On Tuesday, we went over my initial thoughts regarding Apple's announcement. Yesterday, we focused specifically on Apple CEO succession which has been thrust into the spotlight given the COO transition. For today's update, we will focus on Jeff Williams.
Weekly Above Avalon Recap. A few programming notes regarding new analysis published this week elsewhere in the Above Avalon ecosystem.
AVALON. This week’s AVALON podcast episode was focused on the App Store. The episode included a good 60 minutes on the current state of the App Store and what’s been going on with recent court rulings. For those of you who enjoy audio podcasts, AVALON is a perfect complement to this newsletter. To listen to episode 6: Bundle the AVALON podcast with this daily newsletter for just +$6/month (that’s 40% off regular pricing) by filling out this form. Want to get a feel for the podcast? Check out AVALON on X or on Threads for some sample clips from episodes.
Inside Orchard. Over at Above Avalon’s sibling site, my new essay, "It's Time to Double Down on Digital Mapping," was focused on digital mapping. During my recent vacation, shortcomings found with Apple Maps and Google Maps point to how we are likely undershooting in terms of mapping potential and promises. There is so much that isn't materializing. To read and listen to the essay: Bundle Inside Orchard with this newsletter for just +$5/month (that’s 50% off regular pricing) by filling out this form.
Let’s jump into today’s discussion.
Jeff Williams and the Apple Machine
Without the CEO title next to his name, Jeff Williams has never received the public recognition that he deserves when it comes to superior managerial capabilities and overall contributions to Apple spanning more than 20 years.
In the early years of Cook’s CEO era, Williams was actually given a decent press spotlight. For example, he sat down with Walt Mossberg at the 2015 Code Conference.
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Apple COO Jeff Williams to Retire, Revisiting Apple CEO Succession
Hello everyone. Today’s update will be dedicated to going over Apple’s COO transition. The news broke a few hours ago. We will likely have more to say about the topic tomorrow as well.
Apple COO Jeff Williams to Retire
Here’s Apple:
“Apple today announced Jeff Williams will transition his role as chief operating officer later this month to Sabih Khan, Apple’s senior vice president of Operations, as part of a long-planned succession. Williams will continue reporting to Apple CEO Tim Cook and overseeing Apple’s world-class design team and Apple Watch alongside the company’s Health initiatives. Apple’s design team will then transition to reporting directly to Cook after Williams retires late in the year…
‘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. He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world; launched Apple Watch and overseen its development; architected Apple’s health strategy; and led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication,’ said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. ‘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.’"
The entire press release made for an interesting read. Here's Williams:
“‘I have a deep love for Apple. Working with all of the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime, and I can’t thank Tim enough for the opportunity, his inspirational leadership, and our friendship over the years...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. 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.’”
Williams joined Apple in 1998 as head of worldwide procurement. While Cook was the unsung hero during the Jobs era, Williams was Tim Cook’s unsung hero. Appointed COO in December 2015, Williams spent the past decade overseeing the critical teams that kept the Apple machine running.
Over the years, Williams’ responsibility evolved to include:
Become a member to continue reading today’s update. Already a member? Read the full update here.
An audio version of this update is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership.
Member Privileges and Benefits
Become an Above Avalon member and receive the following privileges and benefits:
Exclusive Analysis. Receive the Above Avalon Daily newsletter, widely-recognized as the leading daily newsletter dedicated to Apple. Now in its tenth year.
Archive Access. Access previous newsletters sent to members.
Member Forum Access. Access all channels in the Above Avalon forum in Discord.
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Above Avalon Support. Play an active role in supporting Above Avalon as an independent voice and resource.
Above Avalon Podcast Episode 150: A Larger Apple Machine
The recent Jony Ive and Jeff Williams news has been met with mixed reactions. In episode 150, we discuss why the leadership changes neither signify a company moving away from design or hardware nor suggest that management is facing some kind of growth crisis. Upon closer examination, the Jony Ive and Jeff Williams news are byproducts of Apple evolving into a much larger design company. Additional topics include the various growth narratives facing Apple, the growing Apple installed base, and the Apple machine.
To listen to episode 150, go here.
The complete Above Avalon podcast episode archive is available here.
Apple CEO Succession 101
Daring Fireball’s thoughts on Apple’s CEO succession: click here.
My thoughts?
Issues like Apple CEO succession show how little people understand Apple.
This is Apple’s next CEO: Tim Cook
From Apple:
"Cook is responsible for all of the company’s worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end management of Apple’s supply chain, sales activities, and service and support in all markets and countries. He also heads Apple’s Macintosh division and plays a key role in the continued development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace."
This is Apple’s backup CEO: Jeff Williams
From Apple:
"Jeff Williams is Apple’s senior vice president of Operations, reporting to COO Tim Cook. Jeff leads a team of people around the world responsible for end-to-end supply chain management and dedicated to ensuring that Apple products meet the highest standards of quality.
Jeff joined Apple in 1998 as head of worldwide procurement and in 2004 he was named vice president of Operations. In 2007, Jeff played a significant role in Apple’s entry into the mobile phone market with the launch of the iPhone, and he has led worldwide operations for iPod and iPhone since that time.”
I have my reasons supporting this Apple CEO succession hypothesis. Stay tuned to AAPL Orchard for more commentary on this issue in the future.
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