Why is Apple Dropping its Chief Sustainability Officer Role?

Technology giant Apple has announced a change in its sustainability leadership following the upcoming retirement of Lisa Jackson, Vice President for Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives.

Her departure coincides with a reshuffle in Apple's legal and government affairs departments.

Following Lisa's retirement after a decade with Apple, the company is dissolving the dedicated C-suite sustainability role.

The move is part of a wider reshuffle that will see Jennifer Newstead, former Chief Legal Officer at Meta, join as General Counsel in 2026.

She replaces Kate Adams, who will move to a new Senior Vice President role before her own retirement.

Apple's leadership restructure and sustainability reporting

Following Lisa's retirement, the Environment and Social Initiatives teams she headed will now report to Sabih Khan, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer.

This integration of sustainability functions into the core operations could suggest a new phase in Apple's strategy, embedding environmental considerations directly into its supply chain and product lifecycle management.

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

“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 and advancing our values.”

The Government Affairs team will transition to Kate until her retirement in late 2026, after which Jennifer will take control. Jennifer's new title will be Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Government Affairs, reflecting the merged departments.

Lisa Jackson's decade of environmental impact

Before joining Apple, Lisa served as Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency under President Barack Obama.

She focused on reducing greenhouse gases and protecting air and water quality, providing a strong foundation for her corporate sustainability work.

At Apple, she was a key figure in guiding Apple towards its ambitious goal of making every product carbon neutral by 2030.

Her work has been central to Apple's public-facing environmental narrative and its progress in reducing its carbon footprint.

“It has been a true honour to lead such important work at Apple,” Lisa says.

“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. I am incredibly grateful to the teams I’ve led and have every confidence that Apple will continue to have a profoundly positive impact on the planet.”

A new era of legal and government affairs

The incoming leadership brings extensive experience in navigating complex legal and governmental landscapes.

Jennifer's background as Chief Legal Officer at Meta and as a former Legal Advisor for the US Department of State positions her as an expert in international affairs and regulation.

“I have long admired Apple’s deep focus on innovation and strong commitment to its values,” says Jennifer. “I am honoured to join Apple and to lead an extraordinary team dedicated to doing what’s in the best interest of Apple’s users.”

Kate, who joined from Honeywell, has overseen a period of intense regulatory scrutiny. Her retirement marks the end of an era for Apple’s legal team.

“It has been one of the great privileges of my life to be a part of Apple,” Kate says.

“Jennifer is an exceptional talent and I am confident that I am leaving the team in the very best hands.”