Meta to replace policy chief Nick Clegg, with prominent Republican Joel Kaplan in preparation of Trump 2.0

Nick Clegg, Meta’s long-serving policy chief and former British Deputy Prime Minister, has announced his decision to leave the tech giant. In a move that has drawn attention, Clegg will be succeeded by Joel Kaplan, a high-profile Republican figure who has long been involved in US political circles.  

The announcement comes at a time of significant political shifts, with Meta navigating a delicate landscape of societal expectations and government scrutiny.

Leadership shake-up amid political shifts

Clegg’s departure follows Meta’s increasingly close interactions with key political players in the US, including a recent dinner between CEO Mark Zuckerberg and President-elect Donald Trump. With Republicans poised to control all three branches of the federal government, Kaplan’s appointment appears strategically aligned with Meta’s need to engage effectively with policymakers.

Adding to the political backdrop, Meta recently made a $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration, underscoring the company’s ongoing efforts to position itself favourably within Washington’s power corridors.

A strategic transition

Clegg shared his reasons for stepping down in a public Facebook post, stating that the timing felt right for him to move on. He expressed confidence in Kaplan as the ideal successor, praising his ability to guide Meta’s strategy in the face of evolving societal and political expectations around technology. Over the coming months, Clegg plans to oversee a smooth transition while representing Meta at several international gatherings.

Kaplan, who served as deputy chief of staff to former President George W. Bush, will step into his new role as Meta’s chief global affairs officer. Meanwhile, Kevin Martin, a former FCC chair, will take on Kaplan’s previous responsibilities, further cementing a leadership team equipped to handle complex regulatory and policy challenges.

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Meta’s next chapter

Clegg’s exit marks the end of a seven-year tenure during which he played a critical role in shaping Meta’s global affairs. His leadership was instrumental as the company navigated crises and worked to address concerns about its impact on society and politics. Kaplan’s appointment signals a potentially new direction for Meta, reflecting its need to balance global regulatory demands while maintaining its influence in key markets.

The leadership reshuffle highlights the growing interplay between technology firms and political systems, positioning Meta at a pivotal moment as it adapts to shifting expectations and power dynamics.