Apple is preparing for another significant shift in its leadership team as two high-profile executives—Lisa Jackson and Kate Adams—plan to retire next year. Jackson, who has overseen Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, and Adams, who has served as Apple’s general counsel, will step down in early 2026. Their departures mark the latest moves in what has been a busy period of executive changes at the company.
The new organizational structure places Jennifer Newstead at the center of Apple’s legal and government affairs strategy. She will take on the newly formed role of Senior Vice President of General Counsel and Government Affairs and will report directly to CEO Tim Cook.
Newstead Takes Over Legal and Policy Responsibilities
According to the document, Adams will begin transferring her general counsel duties to Newstead on March 1, 2026, with Newstead officially joining the executive team in January. Cook praised Adams for her decade of service, noting her “critical advice,” “strategic mind,” and commitment to privacy and innovation.
Meanwhile, Jackson will retire in January 2026. Her responsibilities will be split between multiple leaders. Government Affairs will temporarily shift to Adams before transitioning to Newstead. Apple’s Environment and Social Initiatives teams, which Jackson previously led, will now report to COO Sabih Khan. Cook highlighted Jackson’s impact, especially her role in reducing Apple’s global greenhouse emissions by more than 60% compared to 2015.
A Strategic Hire Amid Broader Executive Turnover
Newstead joins Apple after serving as chief legal officer at Meta and previously acting as legal advisor to the U.S. Department of State. Her arrival follows several other executive shifts, including leadership changes in AI and design earlier in the week. The file notes that John Giannandrea’s retirement and Alan Dye’s departure to Meta have already reshaped major divisions at Apple.
With more transitions on the way, Apple appears focused on strengthening continuity while preparing new leaders to oversee essential areas like environmental commitments, global policy, and compliance. The company’s rapid reshuffling suggests a renewed long-term strategy as it enters 2026 with a refreshed executive roster.
