Meta’s 15-Year Policy Anchor Joel Kaplan to Depart in 2027

Key points

• Kaplan will depart in 2027 after serving as Meta’s top policy adviser since 2011.
• His duties will be distributed among Dina Powell McCormick, C.J. Mahoney, Brian Rice, and Tucker Bounds.
• Kaplan was promoted to chief global affairs officer in January 2025, succeeding Nick Clegg.
• He played a key role in repairing Meta’s relationship with the Trump administration after the 2024 account suspension.
• Kaplan oversaw Meta’s response to the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the end of its fact-checking program.

Background

Kaplan joined Meta in 2011 and built the company’s U.S. policy team from scratch. He has been a central figure in Meta’s global affairs for over a decade, navigating regulatory challenges in Europe and the U.S. His departure marks the end of an era for Meta’s policy leadership, as the company shifts to a more distributed model of government relations.

How outlets are covering it

All four outlets confirm Kaplan’s departure and his 15-year tenure. Business Insider and The New York Times emphasize his Republican ties and role in bridging Meta with the Trump administration. Axios highlights his internal advocacy for free-expression principles and details the transition plan, noting that Dina Powell McCormick will assume external affairs duties. Politico focuses on his influence over lobbying and public relations, while all sources agree on the timeline of his exit following the 2026 midterms.

Why it matters

Kaplan’s departure signals a significant shift in Meta’s approach to government relations and regulatory strategy. His replacement by a team of executives from diverse political backgrounds suggests Meta is moving toward a more balanced and distributed policy structure, potentially impacting how the company navigates future regulatory challenges in the U.S. and globally.

What to watch

Kaplan will remain at Meta through the 2026 midterm elections to ensure a smooth transition. Dina Powell McCormick, C.J. Mahoney, Brian Rice, and Tucker Bounds will assume his responsibilities, with McCormick taking on a broader role in external affairs and strategic priorities. Meta is expected to continue its AI-focused initiatives, including the 'The Future Is for Everyone' campaign, while managing its evolving policy landscape.