Nick Clegg, the former British Deputy Prime Minister, has announced he is stepping down from his role as President of Global Affairs at Meta. After nearly seven years with the tech giant, Clegg is passing the torch to Joel Kaplan, a seasoned Republican policy expert and former deputy chief of staff under President George W. Bush. This move comes as Meta prepares to navigate an evolving political landscape, with Donald Trump poised to return to the White House.
Clegg, 57, joined Meta in 2018 during one of the company’s most challenging periods, as it faced intense scrutiny over the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal. At the time, the social media giant was under fire for data privacy lapses, election interference, and misinformation spread on its platforms. Clegg’s appointment was seen as a strategic move to help Meta rebuild its image and forge stronger connections with policymakers around the globe.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Clegg described his time at Meta as an “adventure” and reflected on the lessons learned as he worked to bridge the worlds of technology and politics. “I hope I have played some role in seeking to bridge the very different worlds of tech and politics – worlds that will continue to interact in unpredictable ways across the globe,” he wrote.
A Legacy of Navigating Tech and Politics
Clegg’s role at Meta involved navigating complex policy issues, from content moderation and privacy regulations to election security and platform accountability. His diplomatic skills, honed during his years as Deputy Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015, helped Meta respond to growing demands from governments for greater oversight of social media.
During his tenure, Meta underwent significant transformations, adjusting its approach to political advertising, introducing more transparency in algorithmic decision-making, and investing heavily in combating misinformation. However, Clegg’s departure reflects not just the end of an era for Meta, but also a shift in the company’s strategy as it faces new political realities.
Joel Kaplan, who will succeed Clegg, is no stranger to the inner workings of Meta. Kaplan joined Facebook in 2011 and has played a crucial role in shaping its U.S. public policy strategy. Clegg expressed full confidence in Kaplan, describing him as “ideally placed to shape the company’s strategy as societal and political expectations around technology continue to evolve.”
Family Life and What’s Next for Clegg
Clegg, who is married to Miriam González Durántez, an international lawyer and women’s rights advocate, will remain at Meta for the next few months to ensure a smooth transition. The couple, who wed in 2000, have three sons. Despite his demanding career, Clegg has often spoken about the importance of family and how his wife has been a steadfast support throughout his political and professional journey.
Financially, Clegg has done well for himself since leaving politics. His estimated net worth sits at around $40 million, largely bolstered by his senior executive role at Meta, where top-level executives often receive lucrative compensation packages, including stock options and bonuses.
What Does This Mean for Meta?
Clegg’s departure comes at a time when Meta is under increased pressure to redefine its role in the digital landscape. The appointment of Kaplan signals a potential pivot towards strengthening relationships with conservative lawmakers and policymakers, particularly as political dynamics shift in the United States.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, expressed gratitude for Clegg’s contributions, commenting on his Facebook post, “I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for Meta and the world these past seven years. I’m excited for Joel to step into this role next given his deep experience and insight.”
As Clegg steps away from Meta, his departure marks the close of an important chapter in the company’s history. However, his influence in bridging the gap between big tech and global governments will likely be felt for years to come. As for what’s next, Clegg has not yet announced his future plans, but given his experience and reputation, it’s safe to assume he won’t stay out of the spotlight for long.
