Sir Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister, is set to depart from his role as President of Global Affairs at Meta, the parent company of Facebook. This announcement marks the end of his tenure bridging the technology and political spheres within the organization. His departure coincides with a significant leadership change within Meta's global affairs division.
Clegg, who joined the company in 2018, stated that the timing was right for him to move on, after a significant period of navigating the complex relationship between technology and society. His time at the company saw an evolution in norms and laws affecting the tech sector. He emphasized his role in attempting to bridge the gaps between the tech and political worlds.
Succeeding Clegg is Joel Kaplan, a former Republican White House deputy chief of staff, who will assume the role of chief global affairs officer. Kaplan’s appointment comes just weeks before Donald Trump's inauguration. This transition signals a shift in leadership strategy within Meta's global affairs team.
Clegg expressed confidence in Kaplan’s ability to shape the company’s strategy as technological expectations continue to evolve. He described his time at Meta as an "adventure of a lifetime," having gained valuable insight into Silicon Valley's innovation landscape.
In addition, Kevin Martin, previously the Federal Communications Commission chairman under George W Bush, will be filling Kaplan's former position as vice president of global policy. These leadership changes within Meta's global affairs team will unfold over the coming months as Clegg hands over responsibilities.
