Apple has confirmed that Lisa Jackson is retiring from the company this month. The change became more visible on Friday, when Apple removed her from its leadership page. Jackson spent more than a decade shaping Apple’s environmental and public policy direction, and her exit marks the end of a key chapter in the company’s sustainability work.
Since 2013, Jackson served as Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. She reported directly to CEO Tim Cook and led many of Apple’s clean energy and climate programs. Over the years, Apple pushed hard to reduce its environmental impact, with a long-term goal of becoming carbon neutral across its business, supply chain, and products by 2030.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
A Major Role Inside Apple
Under Jackson’s leadership, Apple expanded its use of renewable energy and improved energy efficiency across its operations. She also led the Racial Equity and Justice Initiative and oversaw the company’s worldwide Government Affairs team.
Tim Cook praised her impact in a public statement.
“I am deeply appreciative of Lisa’s contributions. She has been instrumental in helping us reduce our global greenhouse emissions by more than 60 percent 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.”
Jackson often appeared in Apple’s event videos, especially at Apple Park, where the company frequently highlights its solar rooftop and clean energy efforts.
Before joining Apple, Jackson served as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during President Barack Obama’s first term. That background helped shape Apple’s policy-focused approach to sustainability and government relations.
After her retirement, Apple said its Environment and Social Initiatives teams will report to operations chief Sabih Khan. At the same time, oversight of the Government Affairs team will move to Apple’s general counsel.
The leadership shift closes an important era for Apple’s environmental strategy, even as the company continues to push toward its 2030 carbon neutrality goal.
Discussion