Apple Reshapes its Sustainability and Legal Leadership Teams

Apple is restructuring its sustainability and legal leadership, with changes including the retirement of Lisa Jackson, Vice President for Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, and the appointment of Jennifer Newstead, formerly of Meta, as the company’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 organisation will transition to Kate's oversight until her retirement in late 2026, at which point Newstead will assume control.

This consolidation will result in Newstead’s new title becoming Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Government Affairs.

Tim Cook comments on Lisa’s departure and her work with Apple.

“I am deeply appreciative of Lisa’s contributions,” he says. “She has been instrumental in helping us reduce our global greenhouse emissions by more than 60% compared to 2015 levels."

He also calls her a "critical strategic partner in engaging governments around the world, advocating for the best interests of our users... as well as advancing our values from education and accessibility to privacy and security."

On Jennifer Newstead’s appointment, Tim says: “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 adds that he is pleased Newstead will be overseeing both the Legal and Government Affairs teams "given the increasing overlap between the work of both teams and her substantial background in international affairs”.

Environmental leadership legacy

Lisa Jackson’s tenure at Apple followed a notable career in public service, serving as the Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013.

Her work there focused on reducing greenhouse gases, protecting air and water quality and preventing exposure to toxic contamination.

Reflecting on her time at Apple, Lisa says: “Apple is a remarkable company and it has been a true honour to lead such important work here. I have been lucky to work with leaders who understand that reducing our environmental impact is not just good for the environment but good for business.

"I am incredibly grateful to the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead at Apple for the innovations they’ve helped create and inspire... I have every confidence that Apple will continue to have 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 the Legal Adviser of the US Department of State, General Counsel of the White House Office of Management and Budget and as a 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,” Jennifer says.

“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 has a background in government service.

She served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and as a Trial Attorney for the United States Department of Justice in the Environment and Natural Resources division.

“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,” Kate says.

“I am proud of the good our wonderful team has done over the past eight years... Jennifer is an exceptional talent and I am confident that I am leaving the team in the very best hands."​​