Meta policy chief Joel Kaplan to depart in 2027

Joel Kaplan, Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, will leave the company in 2027 after more than 15 years of service. According to company representatives, Kaplan intends to remain in his role through the upcoming U.S. midterm elections to ensure a smooth transition.

Since joining the company in 2011, Kaplan has served as a key advisor to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, managing Washington relations and global policy. He previously worked on George W. Bush’s campaign and in his administration. Kaplan rose to lead the global policy team, navigating regulatory pressures in Europe and defending the company’s advertising-based business model.

While no permanent successor has been named, Meta plans to distribute Kaplan’s responsibilities among several executives. President and Vice Chair Dina Powell McCormick will increase her focus on external affairs, and Chief Legal Officer C. J. Mahoney will take on additional policy-related tasks. Other leadership roles will be managed by Brian Rice, who handles U.S. government affairs, and Tucker Bounds, who oversees global communications and public affairs.