Jennifer Newstead to Lead Apple's Legal Operations and Government Affairs

Apple has announced a significant leadership transition in its legal and policy divisions. Jennifer Newstead will take over as the company’s general counsel effective March 1, 2026, stepping into a newly expanded role that combines legal oversight with government affairs responsibilities.

Newstead will formally join Apple in January 2026 as senior vice president, bringing her directly under CEO Tim Cook’s leadership on the executive team. This appointment marks a strategic consolidation of Apple’s legal and government relations functions under unified command.

The transition stems from changes across Apple’s senior management. Kate Adams, who has held the general counsel position since 2017, will oversee government affairs during a transition period before departing later in 2026. Concurrently, Lisa Jackson, vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, will retire in late January 2026.

Upon Newstead’s assumption of full duties in March, her title will formally reflect the expanded scope as senior vice president, General Counsel and Government Affairs. This integration consolidates what were previously separate reporting lines into one coordinated leadership structure.

Meanwhile, Apple’s Environment and Social Initiatives teams will fall under the purview of chief operating officer Sabih Khan, completing the organizational restructuring within the executive leadership.

The leadership changes represent Apple’s effort to streamline its legal and policy functions under cohesive oversight as the company navigates complex regulatory environments globally.