Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, announced his resignation on the social media platform Threads. Clegg’s deputy, prominent Republican Joel Kaplan, will reportedly take over as Meta’s chief global affairs officer immediately.
Craig joined Meta (then Facebook) in 2018 and was named president of global affairs in 2022.
In his post, Craig says:
As we begin a new year, I believe now is the perfect time to step down as Meta’s President of Global Affairs. This is truly the adventure of a lifetime! I’m proud of the work I do to lead and support teams across the company to ensure innovation goes hand in hand with increased transparency and accountability, as well as new forms of governance.
During my time at the company, the relationship between “Big Tech” and social pressures reflected in the new laws, institutions and norms affecting the industry has undergone a major realignment. I hope I have played some role in seeking to bridge the two very different worlds of technology and politics—worlds that will continue to interact in unpredictable ways across the globe.
In response to Craig’s post, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he was “grateful for everything you have done for Meta and the world over the past seven years… You have been instrumental in driving Meta’s voice and values around the world and our vision.” “For artificial intelligence and virtual worlds, I’m excited to have Joel take on this role because he has the experience and insight to lead our policy work for years to come.” “
Craig will stay at Meta for a few months to help with the transition, but will no longer lead the department. During his tenure, Clegg was instrumental in addressing concerns about the product’s risks to young people and responding to challenges such as the platform’s crackdown in Russia. However, the transition from Craig to Kaplan signals that Mehta is ready to lead a Republican-led administration under President-elect Donald Trump.
Joel Kaplan joined Meta in 2011 with a strong political background, including service in the George W. Bush White House. Mehta believes Kaplan’s extensive political experience will help the company better respond to social and political pressures. Kaplan’s former position will now be taken by former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.
source: CNN