Apple has removed Lisa Jackson from its official leadership page, signaling the final stage of her departure from the company. The change comes weeks after Apple confirmed that Jackson would retire in late January 2026, ending nearly 13 years at the tech giant.
Although the removal does not confirm her retirement date, it often reflects internal leadership shifts. In Apple’s case, such updates usually appear as executives transition out of active roles.
Nearly 13 Years of Environmental Leadership
Lisa Jackson joined Apple in 2013 after serving as administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Barack Obama. At Apple, she led environmental, policy, and social initiatives, shaping the company’s sustainability strategy.
Under her leadership, Apple cut its global greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60 percent compared to 2015 levels. In addition, she played a key role in Apple’s government engagement, advocating for privacy, accessibility, and environmental responsibility worldwide.
How Apple Will Restructure Her Role
Rather than appointing a single replacement, Apple plans to split Jackson’s responsibilities. Government Affairs will move under Kate Adams, Apple’s general counsel, who is also set to retire in March. After that, the role will pass to Jennifer Newstead, who will assume the position of senior vice president of General Counsel and Government Affairs.
Meanwhile, Apple’s Environment and Social Initiatives teams will report directly to Sabih Khan, the company’s chief operating officer. This shift places sustainability closer to Apple’s core operations.
Praise From the Top
Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Jackson’s impact when the company announced her retirement. He credited her with proving that environmental responsibility supports strong business performance. He also highlighted her role in advancing Apple’s values across education, privacy, and security.
Jackson echoed that sentiment in her farewell remarks. She described Apple as a “remarkable company” and said it was an honor to lead teams that showed how businesses can “do well by doing good”.
Why This Change Matters
While Apple made the update quietly, the shift marks the end of a defining era in its sustainability journey. As climate commitments face growing scrutiny, Jackson’s departure raises questions about how Apple will carry her work forward.
For now, Apple’s leadership reshuffle suggests continuity rather than retreat. However, her absence will leave a noticeable gap in one of the company’s most visible missions
