Apple Restructures Sustainability and Legal Leadership with New Executive Appointments
Apple has announced major changes to its executive team with the retirement of its environmental lead and the appointment of Meta's former Chief Legal Officer. The company is restructuring its sustainability and legal leadership, including the retirement of Lisa Jackson, Vice President for Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, and the appointment of Jennifer Newstead as Apple’s new General Counsel in March 2026.
The shuffle sees Newstead replacing Kate Adams, who has held the General Counsel role since 2017. Kate is scheduled to move to a new position as Senior Vice President in January 2026, reporting directly to Apple’s CEO Tim Cook.
Following Lisa Jackson’s retirement in late January 2026, the Environment and Social Initiatives teams will be absorbed into operations, reporting to Sabih Khan, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer.
Restructuring Sustainability and Government Affairs
The Government Affairs organization will transition to Kate Adams’ oversight until her retirement in late 2026, at which point Jennifer Newstead will assume control. This consolidation will result in Newstead’s new title becoming Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Government Affairs.
“I am deeply appreciative of Lisa’s contributions. She has been instrumental in helping us reduce our global greenhouse emissions by more than 60% compared to 2015 levels.”
Tim Cook also described Lisa Jackson as a “critical strategic partner in engaging governments around the world, advocating for the best interests of our users, and advancing Apple’s values in education, accessibility, privacy, and security.”
“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Jennifer join our team. She brings an extraordinary depth of experience and skill to the role and will advance Apple’s important work all over the world.”
He added that Newstead overseeing both Legal and Government Affairs teams reflects the growing overlap between their responsibilities and her strong background in international affairs.
Environmental Leadership Legacy
Lisa Jackson’s tenure at Apple followed a distinguished career in public service. She served as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 2009 to 2013 under President Barack Obama, where her work focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air and water quality, and preventing toxic contamination.
“Apple is a remarkable company and it has been a true honour to lead such important work here. Reducing our environmental impact is not just good for the environment but good for business.”
She expressed gratitude to her teams and confidence that Apple will continue to make a profoundly positive impact on the planet and its people.
New and Transitioning Executive Talent
Jennifer Newstead brings extensive experience from her role as Chief Legal Officer at Meta. Her career also includes serving as Legal Adviser to the U.S. Department of State, General Counsel of the White House Office of Management and Budget, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice.
“I have long admired Apple’s deep focus on innovation and strong commitment to its values, its customers, and to making the world a better place. I am honoured to join Apple and to lead an extraordinary team.”
Kate Adams, who joined Apple in 2017 after 14 years at Honeywell, also brings significant government experience, including serving as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and as a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice.
“It has been one of the great privileges of my life to be a part of Apple, where our work has always been about standing up for the values that are the foundation of this great company.”
She added that Jennifer Newstead is an exceptional talent and expressed confidence that Apple’s legal and government affairs teams are in the best possible hands.