Joel Kaplan, Meta Platforms’ head of global policy and a key Washington adviser to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, announced his departure from the company after 15 years. Kaplan, who joined Meta in 2011 and was elevated to the top policy position in early 2025, will remain with the company for several months to assist with the transition before leaving next year, Meta confirmed.
Kaplan, 57, a former senior adviser to President George W. Bush known for his Republican ties, played a significant role in shaping Meta’s engagement with U.S. political leadership. He was a central figure during Meta’s evolving relationship with the Trump administration, helping to navigate issues ranging from regulatory challenges to high-profile controversies, including the 2018 Cambridge Analytica data privacy scandal. His leadership coincided with a period when Meta became more closely aligned with Republican priorities in Washington.
Mark Zuckerberg praised Kaplan’s contributions in a company statement, saying he had been “a strong advocate for our policies, and a friend to me,” and noted Kaplan’s role in guiding Meta through complex global policy issues since joining the company in its early years.
Kaplan’s responsibilities will be divided between two recently appointed executives: Dina Powell McCormick, Meta’s president and vice chairman, and C.J. Mahoney, the company’s chief legal officer. Powell McCormick, who previously served in the Trump administration, joined Meta’s board in 2025 before taking on a more expansive role. She has since become a prominent representative of the company in public forums, particularly on topics such as Meta’s data center expansion and legal challenges. Mahoney joined Meta in 2025 as well and has been involved in managing major settlements, including a $17.1 billion agreement related to child safety concerns.
Meta has made several leadership adjustments in recent months, including shifting David Ginsberg, its longtime head of communications and public affairs, to an AI-focused role, and appointing Alexandr Wang as chief AI officer to lead the company’s artificial intelligence initiatives.
Kaplan’s departure comes amid an increasingly complex political environment. Meta has expanded its political engagement, contributing to both Republican and Democratic causes. Ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, the company has been preparing for potential congressional inquiries and legal scrutiny dependent on shifting political majorities.
In a social media post, Kaplan said he was uncertain about his next steps but expressed readiness for a new chapter after completing his transition at Meta. His departure marks a notable shift in Meta’s leadership as the company continues to navigate challenges related to regulation, privacy, and its role in global digital policy.