Meta has appointed Joel Kaplan as its new Chief Global Affairs Officer, replacing Nick Clegg, who is departing from the company.
Kaplan, the current Vice President of Global Policy at Meta, brings extensive experience, including his role as Deputy Chief of Staff under President George W. Bush.
Clegg, the former British Deputy Prime Minister, is stepping down after serving as Meta’s policy leader since 2018.
Key Background: Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced a significant leadership change just weeks before President Joe Biden assumes office. Nick Clegg, who has held the role of Global Affairs President since 2018, will be succeeded by Joel Kaplan, Meta’s current Vice President of Global Policy. Kaplan will now take on the position of Chief Global Affairs Officer.
This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment, just three weeks before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Kaplan’s experience includes his tenure as Deputy Chief of Staff during President George W. Bush’s administration, which has positioned him well for the role. Meta’s engagement with the incoming administration was underscored by its participation in a December event with Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, signaling alignment with the new political leadership.
Clegg, who has faced several high-profile challenges during his tenure—including the Cambridge Analytica scandal, election interference concerns, and ongoing criticism related to social media’s societal impact—has decided that the start of the new year is an appropriate moment for his departure. He has been instrumental in guiding Meta through regulatory challenges and representing the company at international events.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, expressed gratitude for Clegg’s leadership during a transformative period for the company. Kaplan, who will now lead the global policy strategy, will report to senior executives such as David Ginsburg, Vice President of Global Communications and Public Affairs.