In a major shift at Meta, Nick Clegg is stepping down from his role as President of Global Affairs, just as the company prepares for changes ahead of the upcoming U.S. political landscape.
The former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, who joined Meta in 2018, will be replaced by his deputy, Joel Kaplan.
This transition comes just weeks before Donald Trump’s inauguration for a second term and follows a period of shifting dynamics at the highest levels of both business and politics.
Joel Kaplan to Take the Helm at Meta
Kaplan, who previously served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff under George W. Bush, has been a vocal critic of Meta’s recent political speech restrictions.
His appointment marks a notable change in the company’s global affairs division.
Kaplan, with his Republican ties and experience in government, is seen as the right fit to navigate the company through the ongoing political and regulatory challenges.
This personnel shift at Meta is part of a larger trend among tech giants adjusting their strategies and leadership in response to the political upheaval in the U.S.
As Trump prepares for his return to the White House, rivals like Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), are also repositioning themselves with significant government roles, such as his new post at the Department of Government Efficiency.
Nick Clegg Reflects on His Time at Meta
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Clegg announced his decision to step down, calling his time at Meta “an adventure of a lifetime.”
He expressed pride in his contributions to fostering innovation while advocating for increased transparency and accountability within the company.
Clegg also acknowledged the complex relationship between tech giants and the societal pressures brought on by new laws, institutions, and norms.
He thanked Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg for giving him the opportunity to join Meta and praised his colleagues for the rewarding experience.
“I am simply thrilled that my deputy, Joel Kaplan, will now become Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer,” Clegg wrote, showing confidence in Kaplan’s leadership.
Clegg’s Financial Moves Amid Departure
During his tenure, Clegg has made significant financial moves, including selling millions of pounds worth of shares in Meta.
Last year alone, he sold over £5.5 million worth of shares in the company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Clegg’s role at Meta has paid well, with an annual salary of more than £2.8 million as President of Global Affairs.
His boss, Mark Zuckerberg, also made headlines by selling shares worth over £150 million.
A New Era for Meta and Global Affairs
As Clegg prepares for his departure, the leadership change at Meta comes at a pivotal moment, with the company looking to navigate an increasingly polarized political landscape.
The global tech industry, particularly companies like Meta, will likely continue to face challenges in balancing innovation, regulatory compliance, and political pressures, all of which Kaplan will now need to manage as he steps into the role of Chief Global Affairs Officer.