Meta's Top Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan to Step Down
The Republican executive, who played a key role in shaping the company's policy and fostering ties with former President Trump, will depart in 2027.
Meta's chief global affairs officer, Joel Kaplan, is set to step down next year, the company confirmed Tuesday. Kaplan, a Republican who previously served as deputy chief of staff under President George W. Bush, will remain with the company to oversee its policy team through the midterm elections before departing in 2027.
Kaplan has been a significant figure at Meta for over 15 years. He assumed leadership of the global policy team in January 2025, following the departure of Nick Clegg. In his role, Kaplan was seen as a strong advocate for conservative viewpoints within the company and is credited with influencing Meta's shift away from strict fact-checking and censorship policies on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. He also played a crucial part in improving Meta's relationship with former President Donald Trump.
In a statement, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged Kaplan's extensive tenure and impact. "When he arrived, there was no playbook for ensuring our products would be available to the billions of people around the world who now rely on them," Zuckerberg said. "And throughout all of it, he’s been a strong advocate for our policies, and a friend to me."
Kaplan announced his impending departure on X, stating he planned to spend more time with his family and decide on his future endeavors. "I’ll be at the company for a few months to help with the transition, and then look forward to catching my breath," he wrote.
Meta has not yet named a successor. However, Dina Powell McCormick, who currently serves as a president and vice chairman at Meta, is expected to absorb external affairs into her responsibilities as part of the transition. Powell has prior experience in the Trump administration and at Goldman Sachs. She is also leading Meta's efforts in developing the infrastructure for the growing artificial intelligence sector.
Another key executive, CJ Mahoney, who became Meta's chief legal officer in January, was instrumental in negotiating the company's recent $18 billion settlement with state attorneys general concerning allegations of the platform's role in the teen mental health crisis.