Apple's Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, Lisa Jackson, to Retire in Late January 2026
Apple Inc. has announced a significant leadership transition: Lisa Jackson, Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, will retire in late January 2026. This marks the end of a remarkable 13-year tenure for the executive at the company.
Jackson's career is distinguished by her public service and corporate leadership. Prior to joining Apple in 2013, she served as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Barack Obama. During her time at Apple, she has led comprehensive efforts to minimize the company's environmental footprint, including initiatives to address climate change, advance renewable energy adoption, improve energy efficiency, incorporate greener materials, and enhance resource conservation. Additionally, she spearheaded Apple's $10 billion Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, which focuses on advancing education equity, economic opportunity, and criminal justice reform. Jackson has also overseen the company's education policy programs, product accessibility features, and global government affairs functions.
Reflecting on her departure, Jackson expressed profound gratitude: “Apple is an extraordinary company, and it has been a true honor to lead such meaningful work here. I have been fortunate to collaborate with leaders who recognize that reducing our environmental impact is not only beneficial for the planet but also for business—we can achieve strong results while doing good. I am deeply thankful to the exceptional teams I have had the privilege to lead at Apple for the innovations they have driven and inspired, as well as for their advocacy on behalf of our users with governments worldwide.”
Apple has outlined clear succession plans following Jackson's retirement: The Environment and Social Initiatives teams will report directly to Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan. The Government Affairs team will initially be overseen by General Counsel Kate Adams (who is herself scheduled to retire in March 2026), after which responsibility will transition to Jennifer Newstead, who will assume the role of Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Government Affairs.
Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Jackson's contributions extensively: “I am profoundly grateful for Lisa’s impactful work. She has played an instrumental role in reducing our global greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% compared to 2015 levels. She has also been a vital strategic partner in engaging governments around the world, advocating for the best interests of our users across issues ranging from education and accessibility to privacy and security, while steadfastly upholding our core values.”
This transition signals a new chapter for Apple in sustainability and social responsibility, with Jackson’s enduring legacy continuing to shape the company’s future strategic direction.
