Apple Executives Kate Adams and Lisa Jackson Retiring in 2026
- Apple announced on December 4, 2025, the upcoming retirements of two long-serving senior executives: Kate Adams, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, and Lisa Jackson, Vice President of...
- Kate Adams's role will be filled by Jennifer Newstead, currently Meta's Chief Legal Officer.
- Following Jackson's retirement in late January 2026,Adams will transition to oversee the Government Affairs association.
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Apple Executive Shuffle: Adams and Jackson to Retire,Maestri Stepping Down,Cook’s Potential Exit Looms
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Published December 5,2025,at 00:04:40 PST
Executive Departures Announced
Apple announced on December 4, 2025, the upcoming retirements of two long-serving senior executives: Kate Adams, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, and Lisa Jackson, Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. Both Adams and Jackson are slated to retire in 2026, marking a important transition period for the tech giant.
Kate Adams’s role will be filled by Jennifer Newstead, currently Meta’s Chief Legal Officer. Newstead will join Apple as a Senior Vice President on January 1, 2026, and officially assume the position of General Counsel on March 1, 2026. Prior to her role at Meta, Newstead served as the Legal Adviser to the United States Department of State, bringing a wealth of experience to Apple’s legal team.
Following Jackson’s retirement in late January 2026,Adams will transition to oversee the Government Affairs association. She will remain with Apple until late 2026, at which point Newstead will assume responsibility for both government Affairs and the General Counsel role, consolidating legal and governmental oversight.
Broader Leadership Changes at Apple
These retirements follow the recent proclamation that luca Maestri,Apple’s Chief Financial Officer,is stepping down from his position. This creates a wave of executive transitions within a relatively short timeframe.
Adding to the speculation, rumors persist regarding the potential retirement of Apple CEO Tim Cook. Reports suggest cook may be preparing to leave his role as early as 2026, possibly ushering in a new era for the company.
| Executive | Title | Departure Timeline | successor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kate Adams | Senior Vice President and General Counsel | Throughout 2026 | Jennifer Newstead |
| lisa Jackson | Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives | Late January 2026 | TBD |
| Luca Maestri | Chief Financial Officer | TBD | TBD |
| Tim Cook | Chief Executive Officer | potentially 2026 | TBD |
Implications for apple
The simultaneous departure of these key figures represents a significant moment for Apple. The company is navigating a period of change, with potential shifts in legal strategy, sustainability initiatives, and overall leadership.