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Joel Kaplan to leave Meta in 2027 after 15 years as policy chief

Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer and longtime policy chief, plans to step down in 2027 after more than 15 years serving as Mark Zuckerberg's top Washington adviser.

Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer and longtime policy chief, is planning to leave the tech giant in 2027 after more than 15 years at the company, according to a report by Axios. Kaplan has long served as CEO Mark Zuckerberg's primary adviser in Washington, D.C.[5][6][4][2]

Zuckerberg praised Kaplan's tenure and influence across the company's major regulatory and political challenges, telling Axios that "Joel has worked on virtually every tough issue Meta has faced for more than 15 years." The Wall Street Journal also reported Kaplan's planned departure, identifying him as the company's veteran Republican policy chief.[5][3]

During his decade and a half at Meta, Kaplan played a central role in steering the company's political strategy. Reports from Axios and Business Insider highlighted his close ties to Donald Trump, noting that Kaplan helped bridge relations between Zuckerberg and the president.[1][4][2]

Key facts

  • Joel Kaplan plans to step down from Meta in 2027 after 15 years as policy chief and chief global affairs officer.
  • Kaplan served as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's top Washington, D.C., adviser for more than 15 years.
  • Mark Zuckerberg told Axios that Kaplan worked on "virtually every tough issue Meta has faced for more than 15 years."
  • Kaplan maintained close ties to Donald Trump and helped bridge relations between Trump and Zuckerberg.

Sources · 5 sources

  1. BI

    Business Insider@BusinessInsiderPost on X ·

    Meta's Joel Kaplan steps down after 15 years. He helped bridge ties between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and President Donald Trump. https://t.co/wkl5NJGC7P

    Open source
  2. TE

    Techmeme@TechmemePost on X ·

    Mark Zuckerberg says Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer and his top DC adviser for 15+ years, is set to leave in 2027; Kaplan had close Trump ties (@mikeallen / Axios) (Visit Techmeme dot com for the link and full context!)

    Open source
  3. TW

    The Wall Street Journal@WSJPost on X ·

    Joel Kaplan, Meta’s Republican policy chief, is leaving the company after 15 years. https://t.co/5hzvy8WATG

    Open source
  4. TE

    TechmemeArticle ·

    Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer, plans to leave in 2027 after 15+ years as Mark Zuckerberg's top DC adviser; Kaplan has close Trump ties (Mike Allen/Axios) Mike Allen / Axios : Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer, plans to leave in 2027 after 15+ years as Mark Zuckerberg's top DC adviser; Kaplan has close Trump ties — Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer, will leave Meta next year after 15+ years as Mark Zuckerberg's top Washington adviser.

    Open source
  5. AX

    Axios@axiosPost on X ·

    EXCLUSIVE: Joel Kaplan leaving Meta after 15 years as policy chief CEO Mark Zuckerberg tells Axios: "Joel has worked on virtually every tough issue Meta has faced for more than 15 years." https://t.co/PwhcKMDnpo

    Open source
  6. AX

    Axios@axiosPost on X ·

    Exclusive: Joel Kaplan leaving Meta after 15 years as policy chief https://t.co/68Ahdlxafu

    Open source