Meta plans to shake up its global policy team in the new year, naming former George W. Bush administration official Joel Kaplan as its chief international affairs officer, replacing Nick Clegg.
Mr Clegg announced on Thursday that he would step down as Meta's international president in the coming months, saying now was the “right time” to take the next step.
“And there is no one who can pick up where I left off with greater skill and integrity than my deputy, Joel Kaplan.” he wrote on social media. “We are thrilled that Joel will be joining Meta as Chief Global Officer.”
In a lengthy social media post, Clegg reflected on his work with Kaplan and the friendship they've had over the years, saying, “He built on what we did together and improved on what I couldn't do. “I'm sure you'll get it,” he wrote.
“Joel is clearly the right person for the right job at the right time, and is ideally placed to help shape the company's strategy as societal and political expectations for technology continue to evolve.” he added.
Mr Clegg, who was Britain's deputy prime minister from 2010 to 2015, joined Meta, then known as Facebook, in 2018 to run a global policy organization. He was selected to lead the firm's global policy efforts in 2018.
Mr. Kaplan has been Meta's vice president of global public policy since 2014, after serving as vice president of U.S. public policy for more than three years.
Kevin Martin, Meta's vice president of U.S. public policy and former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, will fill Kaplan's current role, the company confirmed.
“I know Kevin is a strong leader in the policy organization and will continue to be a great partner to Joel,” Clegg wrote.
The switch comes just weeks before President-elect Trump's inauguration and is another sign that Mehta is trying to curry favor with the president-elect as he heads for a second term.
Meta donated $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund last month while CEO Mark Zuckerberg met with the president-elect at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. did.
Zuckerberg thanked Clegg for his work, writing on Facebook: “I've learned so much working with you and this opportunity has made our entire team better. “You have been an important influence in advancing meta voices and values around the world.” As our vision for AI and the Metaverse, you have also built a strong team to drive this effort. ”
“I'm excited to have Joel next in this role, given his deep experience and insight over many years leading our policy efforts,” he added.
