Sheryl Sandberg to Depart Meta Board

Sheryl Sandberg, the former Chief Operating Officer and lead architect of Facebook’s digital advertising-driven business model, has announced her departure from the board of Meta, Facebook’s parent company. This decision comes less than two years after Sandberg resigned from her executive role within the company in June 2022.

Sandberg, 54, played a pivotal role in shaping Facebook’s advertising-focused business strategy during her tenure as Meta’s Chief Operating Officer. In a Facebook post, she revealed her decision to leave the Meta board once her term concludes in May, stating, “The Meta business is strong and well positioned for the future, so this feels like the right time to step away.” Sandberg added that she would continue to be involved with the company as an adviser.

Having joined Facebook from Google in 2008, Sandberg held the position of Meta’s operations chief for 14 years. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO and founder, expressed anticipation for “a new chapter together” despite Sandberg’s departure.

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Sandberg’s influence extended beyond her executive role, making her one of the most visible figures at the company. Throughout her tenure, she navigated numerous controversies, including the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the company’s delayed response to it, and concerns about user data privacy that fueled Facebook’s immensely successful advertising business. In 2022, advertising contributed to a substantial 97% of Meta’s $117 billion turnover.

Lou Paskalis, CEO of the advertising consultancy AJL Advisory, emphasized Sandberg’s indispensable contribution to Facebook’s growth. Paskalis noted, “Facebook would not be what it is today without the strong influence of Sheryl Sandberg,” citing her instrumental role in fostering the platform’s adoption by Fortune 500 companies in its early years.

Sandberg’s departure marks the end of an era, leaving a notable void in Meta’s leadership. As the company navigates evolving challenges and opportunities in the digital landscape, the departure of one of its key architects raises questions about the future trajectory of Meta under Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership.

Source: The Guardian