Apple Names New Government Affairs Chief Apple has hired Nate Gatten, a longtime American Airlines government affairs executive, as its new vice president of government affairs. He will join on August 31 and oversee Apple’s global government-relations operations, while former legal chief Kate Adams remains as an adviser until October 1. Gatten’s appointment comes as Apple faces complex policy issues, including tariffs and relations with the Trump administration. A Republican with previous government-relations experience at JPMorgan and Fannie Mae, Gatten is expected to work closely with CEO Tim Cook. Apple is also undergoing a broader leadership transition, with Cook scheduled to become executive chairman as John Ternus takes over as CEO on September 1.