Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Apple Announces Major Leadership Changes
Apple is making big changes in its leadership.
Lisa Jackson, who has been in charge of environment and policy, is retiring.
Jennifer Newstead, who works at Meta, is joining Apple as the new top lawyer.
Kate Adams, the current top lawyer, is also retiring.
Sabih Khan will now lead the environment and social initiatives teams.
Additionally, John Giannandrea, the head of AI, is stepping down, and Alan Dye, the top design executive, is leaving for Meta.
These changes are important because Apple is dealing with new rules and challenges around the world.
It's a big shift for the company as it plans for the future.
Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, will retire in late January 2026.
Jennifer Newstead, currently chief legal officer at Meta, will join Apple as General Counsel on 1 March 2026.
Kate Adams, Apple's current top lawyer, will retire in late 2026.
Sabih Khan will take over the Environment and Social Initiatives teams, reporting to him as COO.
John Giannandrea, head of AI and machine learning, is stepping down and will continue in an advisory role.
- Who
- Apple executives including Lisa Jackson, Jennifer Newstead, Kate Adams, Sabih Khan, John Giannandrea, and Alan Dye
- What
- Leadership changes and restructuring of key teams
- When
- Announced on Thursday, with changes effective in 2026
- Where
- Apple Inc., Cupertino, California
- Why
- To navigate regulatory pressures, global policy challenges, and evolving product strategy
- Lisa Jackson
- Retiring as vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives in late January 2026
- Jennifer Newstead
- Joining as General Counsel on 1 March 2026 from Meta
- Kate Adams
- Retiring as Apple’s top lawyer in late 2026
- Sabih Khan
- Taking over Environment and Social Initiatives teams
- John Giannandrea
- Stepping down as head of AI and machine learning, continuing in an advisory role
- Alan Dye
- Departing as top Design Executive, poached by Meta
- Jeff Williams
- Retired as COO, replaced by Sabih Khan
Sources
Apple confirms more leadership departures as Lisa Jackson retires and Meta’s Jennifer Newstead joins as General Counsel
Apple exec shake-up continues, onboards Meta's chief legal officer Jennifer Newstead as new general counsel
Apple talent crisis? Tim Cook loses AI chief, general counsel, policy VP and design head
Four top Apple executives exit in 72 hours amid Tim Cook retirement talk: What is happening at The Space Ship of Cupertino?
