Apple appoints Nate Gatten as new government affairs chief

Apple Inc. has appointed Nate Gatten as its new vice president of government affairs, a role aimed at navigating the company’s expanding regulatory challenges in the U.S. and globally.

Gatten, who previously served as senior director of government affairs at American Airlines Group Inc., will report to Apple’s general counsel and chief legal officer, Kate Adams, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. His appointment comes as Apple faces heightened antitrust scrutiny from U.S. and international regulators, including the Department of Justice and the European Commission.

Gatten brings two decades of experience in aviation and government relations to the role, having held positions at American Airlines since 2004. His tenure included leadership in regulatory compliance, public policy, and federal advocacy, according to his LinkedIn profile. The move reflects Apple’s broader push to strengthen its policy and regulatory teams amid increasing legal and political pressure over its business practices, including app store policies and competitive conduct.

Apple did not disclose additional details about Gatten’s compensation or the timeline for his transition. The company’s government affairs team plays a key role in shaping its response to legislative and regulatory developments, particularly in areas such as data privacy, digital markets, and international trade.

The appointment follows Apple’s recent hires in policy-related roles, including the addition of a director of global policy in March. The tech giant has faced multiple lawsuits and investigations in recent years, including a landmark antitrust case brought by the DOJ in March alleging monopolistic practices in the smartphone market.

Gatten’s hiring underscores Apple’s efforts to bolster its government relations amid a shifting regulatory landscape for Big Tech.