Meta's Global Affairs Chief Joel Kaplan to Depart After 15 Years
Meta Platforms will replace Joel Kaplan, its chief global affairs officer, with Dina Powell McCormick, who will assume external affairs duties. Kaplan, a former George W. Bush aide, leaves after 15 years as Meta navigates AI scrutiny and political shifts. The transition occurs ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, signaling a strategic pivot in the company's regulatory and political engagement approach.
Key points
- Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer and former George W. Bush deputy chief of staff, will leave the company after 15 years.
- Dina Powell McCormick, Meta's President and Vice Chairman, will expand her role to include external affairs, succeeding Kaplan in the global strategy position.
- The leadership change occurs ahead of the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections, a period of heightened political scrutiny for major tech firms.
- Kaplan was appointed to the top policy role in January 2025, coinciding with Meta's rollback of fact-checking and diversification initiatives to align with Donald Trump's administration.
- The move positions Meta to address growing concerns over AI safety and community impact, following recent agreements by tech executives to establish voluntary AI standards.
- McCormick, who served in Trump's first administration, brings prior executive experience to the role, potentially influencing Meta's future regulatory relationships.
Meta Platforms has announced a significant shift in its global leadership structure, with Joel Kaplan, the company's chief global affairs officer, set to depart after 15 years. A spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that Kaplan, who was elevated to the top policy role in January 2025, will be succeeded by Dina Powell McCormick. McCormick, currently serving as Meta's President and Vice Chairman, will add external affairs to her existing portfolio, consolidating the company's political and regulatory strategy under her leadership.
Kaplan's tenure has been marked by a strategic realignment of Meta's political posture. As a longtime Republican strategist and former deputy chief of staff for policy in the George W. Bush administration, Kaplan oversaw the company's rollback of US fact-checking and diversity initiatives. These moves were part of a broader effort to cultivate closer ties with the Trump administration during his first term. His departure comes at a critical juncture, just ahead of the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections, a time when tech giants face intense scrutiny from both political parties.
The transition also highlights Meta's evolving approach to artificial intelligence. As concerns mount over AI safety and the industry's expanding footprint in local communities, Meta is navigating a complex regulatory landscape. President Donald Trump recently noted that tech executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, agreed to establish voluntary AI standards. With McCormick taking the helm, analysts suggest Meta may leverage her prior experience in the Trump administration to stabilize its relationship with Washington, ensuring the company remains competitive while managing public perception of its technological dominance.
Sources
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