In a significant development reported by The Guardian on Thursday, January 17, 2024, Sheryl Sandberg, the renowned former chief operating officer and architect of Facebook’s digital advertising-centric business model, has officially declared her decision to step down from the board of Meta, the parent company of Facebook.
Sandberg, who dedicated 14 years to her role as Meta’s chief operating officer, announced her departure from the board, effective upon the conclusion of her term in May. Her decision marks a pivotal moment nearly two years after resigning from her executive position at Facebook.
In a Facebook post, the 54-year-old emphasized the strength and future prospects of the Meta business, asserting that the timing is right for her departure. She also expressed her commitment to remaining an adviser to the company moving forward.
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Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive and founder of Meta, responded to Sandberg’s decision, expressing eagerness for “a new chapter together.” Sandberg, once Zuckerberg’s second-in-command, played a crucial role in shaping the company’s business strategies and contributed significantly to its growth and development.
Sandberg’s exit from the board follows her resignation from the role of Meta’s chief operating officer in June 2022, concluding a remarkable 14-year tenure. Her association with the company commenced in 2008 when she joined Facebook from Google.
Despite her influential role, Sandberg’s tenure was marked by various challenges and controversies, including the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the Facebook platform’s use in organizing the 2021 Capitol riot, and persistent concerns regarding user data mining to fuel the company’s advertising business.
In response to these challenges, Sandberg remained a visible and impactful executive at the company. Zuckerberg acknowledged her contributions, expressing anticipation for the upcoming collaboration between the two tech industry figures.
Sandberg’s departure from the board signifies a notable shift within Meta, prompting questions about the company’s future trajectory and leadership dynamics.
Before joining Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg served as the vice-president of global online sales and operations at Google. Additionally, she held the position of chief of staff for the US Treasury Department under former President Bill Clinton.
A Harvard graduate, Sandberg is not only a seasoned executive but also an accomplished author, known for several books, including the 2013 feminist manifesto, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.”
