Apple Shakeup: Top Executives Kate Adams and Lisa Jackson Depart

Just three weeks following Jeff Williams’ retirement and two days after John Giannandrea announced his own, Apple continues to see changes within its leadership team. The company declared through a press release last night that its Chief Legal Officer Kate Adams and Lisa Jackson, who oversees environmental and social initiatives, are both retiring.

Jennifer Newstead, coming from Meta, will join Apple as the Senior Vice President starting January 2026. She will take over both the legal and governmental affairs responsibilities from Kate Adams starting March 1. The teams handling social and environmental initiatives will be led by Sabih Khan, the Chief Operating Officer, following Lisa Jackson’s departure at the end of January.

Kate Adams, though not widely recognized by the public due to her behind-the-scenes role, rose to become Apple’s second in command after Jeff Williams’ departure. She has served as the group’s legal director since 2017. “Kate has been a vital member of the company for almost a decade, providing invaluable advice while tirelessly defending our customers’ privacy rights and Apple’s right to innovate,” stated Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “I am deeply thankful for her leadership, her exceptional resolve in dealing with numerous complex issues, and above all, for her insightful, strategically sharp, and wise counsel.”

Lisa Jackson managed the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the Obama administration before joining Apple in 2013, where she became the face of the company’s environmental initiatives. “I am profoundly grateful to Lisa for her contributions. She has been crucial in reducing our global greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% since 2015,” said Cook. “She has also been an essential strategic partner in engaging with governments worldwide, advocating for our users on various issues, and promoting our values, from education and accessibility to privacy protection and security.”

Jennifer Newstead previously worked as a legal advisor at the U.S. State Department during the first Trump administration, overseeing legal issues related to U.S. foreign policy before joining Meta (previously Facebook) in 2019. Her background should ensure better relations with the current administration than Lisa Jackson had. “We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer to our team,” Cook announced. “Her experience and exceptional skills will be a valuable asset to this role and will further enhance Apple’s vital work around the world. We are also excited for Jennifer to oversee legal and governmental affairs, given the increasing convergence between these activities and her strong background in international affairs. I am confident she will be an excellent leader.”

The incoming Chief Legal Officer is looking forward to joining Apple. “I have long admired Apple’s deep commitment to innovation and its steadfast dedication to its values, customers, and making the world a better place,” said Newstead. “It is an honor for me to join the company and lead an amazing team dedicated to serving Apple’s users’ best interests each day.”

“It has been an immense privilege to be part of Apple, where our work has always been about defending the values that define this great company,” Adams remarked. “I am proud of the work our wonderful team has done over the past eight years and am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to it. Jennifer is exceptionally talented, and I am confident I am leaving the team in excellent hands. I look forward to working more closely with the Government Affairs team.”

“Apple is a remarkable company and it has been a true honor to lead such important work here,” said Jackson. “I have been fortunate to work with leaders who understand that reducing our environmental impact is not only good for the environment but also for business, and that success can be achieved responsibly. I am infinitely grateful to the teams I have had the privilege to lead at Apple, for the innovations they have helped to create and inspire, and for the advocacy they have conducted with governments around the world on behalf of our users. I am confident that Apple will continue to have a profoundly positive impact on the planet and its people.”