Apple is experiencing ongoing leadership changes as two senior executives, Kate Adams and Lisa Jackson, announce their retirements. Adams, who served as general counsel since 2017, will step down by late 2026, while Jackson, head of environmental and policy initiatives, will retire in January 2026. The company has appointed Jennifer Newstead, a former Meta legal executive, to replace Adams, marking a significant shift in its legal leadership. Newstead brings extensive experience from both corporate and government sectors, including roles at the U.S. Department of State and White House Office of Management and Budget. These changes follow a series of departures in Apple’s executive ranks, reflecting broader strategic shifts within the tech giant.
Key facts
- Apple’s general counsel, Kate Adams, will retire by late 2026, with Jennifer Newstead set to take her role.
- Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, will retire in January 2026 after 13 years with the company.
- Jennifer Newstead, previously Meta’s chief legal officer, has a background in U.S. government roles including the Department of State and White House Office of Management and Budget.
- Apple has lost several key executives recently, including AI chief John Giannandrea and design head Alan Dye, amid strategic reorganization.
- Leadership changes at Apple highlight challenges in maintaining its competitive edge in AI development and product design.
