Apple hires airline executive as VP of government affairs

Apple has hired former American Airlines executive vice president Nick Gatten as its new vice president of government affairs, reports Bloomberg.

Gatten will assume some of the duties of Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Katherine Adams, who is retiring at the end of 2026. Gatten will report to Apple Senior Vice President and General Counsel Jennifer Newstead, with Adams remaining available in an advisory role until October 1.

Bloomberg says Gatten is a Republican who Apple believes would be able to align with the Trump administration. He previously worked at Fannie Mae, where he led a team interacting with Republican members of Congress, and he also oversaw government affairs at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and American Airlines.

Gatten will work closely with Tim Cook in his new role. Cook plans to step down as Apple CEO on September 1, and hardware chief John Ternus will take over. Cook will remain executive chairman and collaborate with policymakers and governments around the world.

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