Meta’s Joel Kaplan to step down as chief global affairs officer after 15-plus years

Joel Kaplan is leaving Meta. The company’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, and its most prominent Republican in Washington, has announced his departure after more than 15 years. He isn’t leaving right away. Kaplan is expected to stay on through the November 3, 2026 US midterm elections, with his last day expected to fall in 2027. A long exit, by design Kaplan framed the decision in personal terms. He said he wants more time with his family and a chance to recharge. “catch my breath” That was how Kaplan described what he was looking for. Once he leaves, his responsibilities will shift to Dina Powell McCormick. She currently serves as Meta’s president and vice chairman, and she will now also manage external affairs. Other executives, including Chief Legal Officer C.J. Mahoney, are expected to absorb additional policy-related duties. From Bush White House to Facebook’s policy engine Kaplan arrived in 2011, back when the company was still called Facebook. He played a significant part in building the company’s US policy team. Over time he rose to lead global policy and government affairs. Kaplan served as deputy chief of staff for policy under President George W. Bush. Earlier, he was a M...