Joel Kaplan is leaving Meta after more than 15 years as its chief global affairs officer. During his tenure, Kaplan helped shape the social media giant's strategic approach to political engagement and policy advocacy, working closely with leadership on complex regulatory and governmental matters. His leadership coincided with Meta's efforts to defend its personalized advertising model as governments around the world scrutinized tech platforms more intensely. Kaplan's departure signals a notable shift in how Meta navigates political power and regulatory expectations moving forward.
As a trusted adviser to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Kaplan frequently advised on sensitive political questions and international relations strategies. His role encompassed coordinating with policymakers, shaping public affairs messaging, and helping steer Meta through evolving debates about data privacy, competition, and the boundaries of platform responsibility. The departure marks the end of an era for Meta's political operations, potentially altering the company's approach to future regulatory challenges and governmental engagement.