Why is Apple Dropping Chief Sustainability Officer Role?

Tech giant Apple has announced a change in its sustainability leadership.

In March 2026, Jennifer Newstead, previously Chief Legal Officer at Meta, is set to become Apple’s General Counsel. 

Jennifer is replacing Kate Adams who has been in the position since 2017.

Kate is set to join Apple as Senior Vice President in January 2026, reporting directly to Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

Lisa Jackson, Vice President for Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, is also set to retire in late January 2026.

Transitioning through titles

The Environment and Social Initiatives teams will report to Sabih Khan, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer.

“I am deeply appreciative of Lisa’s contributions,” says Tim.

“She has been instrumental in helping us reduce our global greenhouse emissions by more than 60% compared to 2015 levels.

“She has also been a critical strategic partner in engaging governments around the world, advocating for the best interests of our users on a myriad of topics, as well as advancing our values, from education and accessibility to privacy and security."

The Government Affairs organisation is set to transition to Kate where she will oversee the team until her retirement late 2026 - this is when Jennifer will take control.

Jennifer’s new title will be Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Government Affairs due to the combination of the two organisations.

Tim says: “We couldn’t be more pleased to have Jennifer join our team.

“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 organisations, 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.”

Lisa Jackson's impact at Apple

From 2009 to 2013, Lisa served as Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency. 

Appointed by President Barack Obama, she focused on reducing greenhouse gases, protecting air and water quality, preventing exposure to toxic contamination and expanding outreach to communities on environmental issues.

“Apple is a remarkable company and it has been a true honour to lead such important work here,” says Lisa. 

“I have been lucky to work with leaders who understand that reducing our environmental impact is not just good for the environment, but good for business and that we can do well by doing good. 

“And I am incredibly grateful to the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead at Apple, for the innovations they’ve helped create and inspire and for the advocacy they’ve led on behalf of our users with governments around the world.

“I have every confidence that Apple will continue to have a profoundly positive impact on the planet and its people.”

She has also served as chief of staff to New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine and as commissioner of New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection.

Women in leadership at Apple

Jennifer was previously Chief Legal Officer at Meta and previously served as the Legal Advisor of the US Department of State, where she led the legal team responsible for advising the Secretary of State on all domestic and international legal issues affecting the conduct of US foreign relations.

“I have long admired Apple’s deep focus on innovation and strong commitment to its values, its customers and to making the world a better place,” says Jennifer. 

“I am honoured to join the company and to lead an extraordinary team who are dedicated each and every day to doing what’s in the best interest of Apple’s users.”

Earlier in her career, Jennifer served as General Counsel of the White House Office of Management and Budget, as a Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Legal Policy at the Department of Justice and as Special Assistant to the President and Associate White House Counsel.

Kate joined Apple in 2017 and before that she previously worked at Honeywell for 14 years, most recently as Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

“It has been one of the great privileges of my life to be a part of Apple, where our work has always been about standing up for the values that are the foundation of this great company,” says Kate. 

“I am proud of the good our wonderful team has done over the past eight years and I am filled with gratitude for the chance to have made a difference. 

“Jennifer is an exceptional talent and I am confident that I am leaving the team in the very best hands and I’m really looking forward to working more closely with the Government Affairs team.”

Earlier in her career, she served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, as Trial Attorney for the United States Department of Justice, Appellate Section, Environment and Natural Resources division and as Law Clerk for Stephen Breyer, then Chief Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Celebrating women in sustainability 

Women are leading sustainability in the corporate world, now holding 63% of executive roles.

At Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit, Sustainability Magazine will be hosting discussions on innovations by women, leadership by women and the impact women have on sustainability.

The two-day event is set to take place at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, London on 4 and 5 March 2026, bringing together sustainability experts from around the globe for a series of enlightening panel discussions, engaging workshops and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Hear personal stories, strategic insights and lessons from the field as these women share how they are shaping inclusive and effective approaches to climate action. 

Explore how women are driving real progress at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit in Spring.

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