Apple hired former American Airlines executive vice president Nick Gatten as its new vice president of government affairs, reports Bloomberg.
Gatten will take on 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 to remain available in an advisory role until October 1.
Bloomberg says Gatten is a Republican that Apple felt would be able to align with the Trump administration while also working with democrats. He previously worked at Fannie Mae where he managed a team that interfaced with Republican members of Congress, and he oversaw government affairs at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and American Airlines. He is also on the board of the Faith and Politics institution, an organization that "cultivates mutual respect, moral reflection, increased understanding, and honest conversation among political leaders." From the article:
At the same time, Apple sees Gatten as someone who can work constructively with policymakers on both sides of the aisle, the people said. That will be especially important if the balance of power shifts in Washington. Democrats are vying to take control of at least one chamber of Congress in midterm elections in November, and Trump has less than 2 1/2 years left in his term.
Gatten will work closely with Tim Cook in his new role. Cook plans to step down as Apple CEO on September 1, with hardware chief John Ternus to take over. Cook will remain on as executive chairman, engaging with policymakers and governments worldwide.
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