Apple’s executive shake-up continues with departures of general counsel and policy head

Apple is undergoing a significant leadership transition, with the recent announcement of more executive retirements following the exit of AI chief John Giannandrea and design executive Alan Dye to Meta. Kate Adams, who has been with the company as general counsel since 2017, is set to retire in late 2024. Additionally, Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, will step down in January 2026. In a move to fill these gaps, Apple has appointed Jennifer Newstead, currently the chief legal officer at Meta, to take over as general counsel starting March 1, 2026. Newstead brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including serving as the legal adviser for the U.S. Department of State and holding various positions within the government, including general counsel for the White House Office of Management and Budget. Tim Cook expressed enthusiasm over Newstead's appointment, highlighting her extensive background and potential to further Apple's global initiatives. During Adams's tenure, Apple has navigated a challenging landscape of antitrust scrutiny and legal challenges, particularly regarding competition in the app market. Jackson, who joined Apple in 2013 after her appointment to the EPA, has played a pivotal role in the company's sustainability efforts and social initiatives. Cook acknowledged her critical contributions to reducing the company's global greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% compared to 2015 levels, emphasizing her importance in engaging with governments on various global issues. The recent executive changes come amid broader shifts in Apple's leadership, including the departure of chief operating officer Jeff Williams in July, with Sabih Khan stepping into the role. Apple has faced criticism for lagging in the AI sector, particularly with the delayed launch of an AI-enhanced Siri, which is now set to utilize Google's technology. Furthermore, the company has been scrutinized for perceived declines in design quality, leading to mixed reactions among employees regarding recent departures.