Apple Hires American Airlines Veteran to Lead Government Affairs

Gatten will become Apple’s vice president of government affairs on Aug. 31, according to a company memo reviewed by Bloomberg News. Jennifer Newstead, Apple’s senior vice president and general counsel, announced the appointment in the memo.

Kate Adams, Apple’s former legal chief who has been serving as senior vice president of government affairs, will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until Oct. 1, according to Bloomberg.

The appointment represents another change in how Apple manages its government relations. Lisa Jackson previously held responsibility for government affairs alongside the company’s environmental, policy and social initiatives. Jackson, who led the Environmental Protection Agency during the Obama administration, joined Apple in 2013 and played a prominent role in its environmental efforts.

The return of President Donald Trump to the White House has added challenges for Apple, particularly as the administration has pursued tariffs on products manufactured overseas. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook has increasingly taken a direct role in managing Apple’s relationship with the White House in recent years, Bloomberg reported.

Gatten brings extensive experience dealing with Washington and Republican policymakers. A Republican, he served as American Airlines’ head of government affairs from 2017 until this week. He previously held a similar position at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and worked at Fannie Mae, where he oversaw a team that dealt with Republican members of Congress.

Apple was looking for an executive capable of working effectively with the Trump administration, according to people familiar with the company’s thinking who spoke to Bloomberg. Gatten’s background in real estate could also be useful as Apple expands its retail presence and other operations, the people said.

At the same time, Apple believes Gatten can maintain constructive relationships with policymakers from both major parties, according to Bloomberg. That ability could become increasingly important if November’s midterm elections alter the balance of power in Washington, where Democrats are seeking control of at least one chamber of Congress.

Gatten also serves on the board of the Faith and Politics Institute, a Washington organization founded in 1991 that promotes civil dialogue and cooperation across political divisions.

In his new position, Gatten is expected to work closely with Cook, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. The arrangement puts him near the center of Apple’s efforts to navigate trade policy and its relationship with Washington as the political landscape continues to evolve.

Source: Bloomberg News