Joel Kaplan, a veteran in Meta's public affairs operation, has announced his departure from the company after more than 15 years of service. As chief global affairs officer, Kaplan was a central figure in Meta's interactions with lawmakers, regulators, and political stakeholders. He built and maintained internal advisory networks that helped steer the company's Washington-facing strategy, balancing policy concerns with the company's business priorities.
Kaplan was widely regarded as a close adviser to Meta's leadership on political matters, including how to present the company's views on data use and online advertising. His work included navigating scrutiny of Meta's personalized advertising model and coordinating responses to regulatory inquiries around the world. While the company's business model has continued to grow, Kaplan's departure is expected to prompt a reevaluation of how Meta engages with policymakers in the years ahead.