Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Apple names American Airlines veteran Nate Gatten government affairs chief
Apple is a big company that makes iPhones and computers.
The company also talks to the government about rules and laws.
Apple has chosen a new person to lead that important work.
His name is Nate Gatten.
He used to work at an airline company called American Airlines.
Nate will start his new job at Apple on August 31.
He will work closely with Tim Cook, who is the boss of Apple.
Tim Cook is becoming the chairman of Apple's board on September 1.
The woman who did this job before, Lisa Jackson, is retiring.
Nate also worked at big financial companies like JPMorgan Chase and Fannie Mae before joining the airline.
Apple has appointed Nate Gatten, a veteran executive from American Airlines, as its new vice president of government affairs, effective August 31.
Gatten will report to Jennifer Newstead, Apple's senior vice president and general counsel.
He succeeds Lisa Jackson, who joined Apple in 2013 after leading the US Environmental Protection Agency and announced her retirement earlier this year.
Bloomberg reported Apple sought someone who could align with the Trump administration; Gatten is a Republican and will work closely with Tim Cook.
Katherine Adams will serve as senior vice president of government affairs until her retirement in late 2026, while Tim Cook steps down as CEO on September 1.
- Who
- Apple and its newly appointed vice president of government affairs, Nate Gatten.
- What
- Apple named Nate Gatten, an American Airlines veteran, as its new vice president of government affairs.
- When
- The appointment was reported this week; Gatten takes over the role on August 31.
- Where
- Not specified in the articles.
- Why
- Bloomberg reported Apple was looking for someone who could align with the Trump administration for its government affairs work.
- Company
- Apple
- New appointee
- Nate Gatten
- New role
- Vice president of government affairs
- Previous role
- Head of government affairs at American Airlines since 2017
- Start date
- August 31
- Reports to
- Jennifer Newstead, senior vice president and general counsel
- Predecessor
- Lisa Jackson, who is retiring
- Tim Cook transition
- Steps down as CEO on September 1 to become executive chairman