Two More Senior Executives Are Leaving Apple

Apple is about to close the books on its most successful quarter ever, and yet it’s in turmoil internally. In the weeks since rumors suggested that CEO Tim Cook could retire as soon as next year, Apple parted ways with its most senior AI leader and the head of design. And now it has announced that two more senior executives will leave Apple in 2026.

Kate Adams, Apple general counsel since 2017, will cede that position in March before retiring later in 2026. And Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, will retire in late January 2026.

Adams will be succeeded by Jennifer Newstead, who was previously the chief legal officer at Meta after having served as a legal adviser to the U.S. Department of State. She will become a senior vice president at Apple, and she will oversee Jackson’s Legal and Government Affairs teams as well. Jackson’s Environment and Social Initiatives teams will report to Apple chief operating officer Sabih Khan.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Jennifer join our team,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said. “She brings an extraordinary depth of experience and skill to the role, and will advance Apple’s important work all over the world. We are also pleased that Jennifer will be overseeing both the Legal and Government Affairs organizations, given the increasing overlap between the work of both teams and her substantial background in international affairs. I know she will be an excellent leader going forward.”