Apple is preparing for a major leadership change in its services business. Jennifer Bailey, the executive who helped build Apple Pay into a global payments platform, plans to retire after 23 years with the company.
Bailey has spent the past 12 years as Vice President of Internet Services and Apple Pay. During that period, she played a central role in Apple’s expansion into digital payments and financial services.
From Online Stores to Apple Pay
Bailey joined Apple in 2003 as Vice President of Worldwide Online Stores. Then, in 2014, Apple promoted her as it expanded deeper into digital services and payments.
Under her leadership, Apple introduced major services including Apple Wallet, Apple Pay and Apple Card. She also supervised areas such as Tap to Pay on iPhone, Apple Gift Cards and Apple Cash internationally.
As a result, Bailey became an important figure in Apple’s effort to make the iPhone more useful for everyday financial transactions.
Her influence also extended beyond payments. According to an internal note from Apple services chief Eddy Cue, Bailey led work involving fraud prevention, partner operations, Trust and Safety, and other services.
Apple Plans Leadership Transition
Bailey will remain with Apple through the end of October, according to the internal message. Moreover, Apple plans to announce a succession strategy before her departure. Bailey will continue supporting the transition in an advisory capacity.
Cue credited Bailey with helping Apple Pay change how hundreds of millions of customers make payments. He also highlighted the service’s focus on simplicity, security and privacy.
Meanwhile, Bailey maintains leadership roles outside Apple. She currently serves on PepsiCo’s board and previously served on the American Red Cross board from 2015 to 2024.
Her departure comes as Apple continues pursuing its broader goal of reducing consumers’ reliance on physical wallets. Therefore, the company’s choice of successor could influence the next stage of Apple Wallet, payments and financial services.
