Meta Policy Chief Joel Kaplan to Depart After 15 Years, Handing Over to Dina Powell McCormick

Key points

• Kaplan will remain at Meta through the midterms and into 2027 to ensure a smooth transition of policy responsibilities.
• Dina Powell McCormick, president and vice chairman, will take on external affairs duties alongside her existing strategic and AI infrastructure roles.
• C.J. Mahoney, Meta's chief legal officer since January, will assume policy responsibilities after leading a bipartisan teen safety settlement.
• Kaplan was a key internal advocate for Zuckerberg's free-expression principles and helped build relationships with the incoming Trump administration.
• Zuckerberg praised Kaplan for navigating complex regulatory environments and guiding the company through multiple changes in congressional and White House control.

Background

Meta has recently shifted its strategic focus toward AI, with Zuckerberg moving his desk to work alongside the team developing the Muse and Muse Wonder models. The company is also promoting an optimistic AI narrative with its 'The Future Is for Everyone' campaign. This leadership change in policy follows Meta's recent $100 billion AI investment and the launch of its new AI models, signaling a pivot from regulatory defense to AI infrastructure and expansion.

Why it matters

Kaplan's departure marks a significant shift in Meta's approach to global policy and regulatory relations. His replacement by a team with diverse political backgrounds, including Dina Powell McCormick and C.J. Mahoney, suggests Meta is preparing for a more complex regulatory landscape while maintaining bipartisan relationships. This transition also reflects Meta's broader strategic pivot toward AI, as leadership resources are being reallocated to support the company's massive AI infrastructure initiatives.

What to watch

Kaplan will stay through the midterms and into 2027 to oversee the transition. Dina Powell McCormick will integrate external affairs into her existing portfolio, while C.J. Mahoney will expand his role to include policy. Brian Rice and Tucker Bounds will also play key roles in Meta's government affairs and communications, ensuring continuity in the company's regulatory and public relations strategies.