Apple is experiencing its most significant executive exodus since 2011, with leaders in AI, design, and legal affairs departing amid reports the company is accelerating succession plans for CEO Tim Cook, who may retire in 2026.
Cupertino, CA — Apple is undergoing its most extensive executive overhaul since Steve Jobs’ death, with over half a dozen key leaders departing, including the VPs of Environment and Legal Affairs, Lisa Jackson and Kate Adams. This wave of exits spans critical divisions like AI, design, legal, and operations, marking an unprecedented management realignment under CEO Tim Cook. The departures follow the earlier retirement announcements of COO Jeff Williams and CFO Luca Maestri.
The turnover coincides with reports that Apple is accelerating its CEO succession plan, with John Ternus emerging as the leading candidate to replace Cook, who is reportedly set to retire in 2026. Apple has named replacements, including Jennifer Newstead (Meta’s former CLO) for Legal Affairs and Amar Subramanya for AI chief. The company is hitting a “reset button,” and the executive team that grew Apple into a $4 trillion company will look fundamentally different next year.