In a day marked by major developments across the global tech landscape, two significant stories have grabbed headlines. On one hand, embattled Indian edtech founder Byju Raveendran has been held in contempt by a US court. On the other, Sabih Khan, an Indian-origin executive at Apple, has been elevated to the prestigious role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Here’s a closer look at both stories.
Byju Raveendran Held in Contempt by US Court
The US Bankruptcy Court in Delaware has issued a strong ruling against Byju Raveendran, the founder of Indian edtech giant Byju’s, holding him in civil contempt for failing to comply with multiple court orders related to a bankruptcy case involving Byju’s US subsidiary, Byju’s Alpha.
The court imposed a $10,000 daily fine on Raveendran, effective until he provides the required documentation and cooperates fully with the ongoing discovery process. The case involves serious allegations by US lenders, accusing Byju’s of diverting $533 million from the subsidiary, leading to a broader legal and financial crisis for the company.
The judge termed Raveendran’s conduct a “strategic and repeated failure” to participate in the legal proceedings. This ruling adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding Byju’s, which has faced funding issues, valuation drops, and credibility challenges over the past year.
Apple Names Moradabad-Born Sabih Khan as COO
In more uplifting news, Apple Inc. has promoted Sabih Khan, an Indian-origin executive, to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). This announcement comes as Jeff Williams, Apple’s long-serving COO, prepares to retire later this year.
Sabih Khan, who was born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, joined Apple in 1995 and has played a vital role in building and managing the company’s global supply chain. Over his nearly 30-year career at Apple, he’s been instrumental in driving innovations in manufacturing, logistics, and sustainability.
Khan holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from Tufts University, as well as a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Khan as a “brilliant strategist,” highlighting his key role in ensuring operational excellence, especially as Apple diversifies its manufacturing presence in India and other regions.
A Day of Contrasts for Indian Names in Tech
The juxtaposition of these two headlines paints a striking picture: while one Indian entrepreneur faces legal heat abroad, another rises to one of the highest executive roles at the world’s most valuable company. The stories reflect both the growing global influence of Indian-origin leaders in tech and the increasing scrutiny of corporate practices in the digital age.
