Meta names Indian entrepreneur Gunaa Shah as global CEO of WhatsApp

Meta has appointed Indian startup founder Gunaa Shah as the new global chief executive officer of WhatsApp. Shah, who created the fintech platform CRED and earlier founded FreeCharge, will oversee the messaging service’s worldwide operations. Meta said Shah’s experience building consumer‑focused digital products and his track record in scaling technology businesses made him a fit to lead WhatsApp’s next phase, which includes expanding digital payment features, AI‑driven services and broader business integrations. Shah, born in Gujarat and raised in Mumbai, began his career working from age 15 to support his family, later launching several ventures before founding CRED, now used by over 15 million Indians. His appointment reflects Meta’s strategy to deepen engagement in emerging markets and to leverage local expertise at the helm of its biggest messaging platform.