Meta is undergoing significant leadership changes as Nick Clegg, the former deputy prime minister of the UK and current president of global affairs at Meta, announced his departure from the role just as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Clegg, who has been with Meta since 2018, emphasized that now is the “right time” for him to move on, stating in a recent Facebook post that it's been "an adventure of a lifetime" [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/02/nick-clegg-meta). His successor will be Joel Kaplan, who has served as a vice president in various capacities within Meta since 2011.

Kaplan’s appointment signals a strategic pivot for Meta as the company seeks to strengthen its ties with the incoming Republican administration. Clegg noted that "Joel is quite clearly the right person for the right job at the right time" amid evolving societal and political expectations surrounding technology [CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/02/tech/meta-nick-clegg-stepping-down-joel-kaplan/index.html).

During his tenure, Clegg navigated critical challenges, including the fallout from the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the scrutiny surrounding the platform's influence on the 2016 US presidential election. His role was vital in establishing frameworks for a more transparent and accountable governance structure within Meta, particularly during times of increased tension with global regulators [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-zuckerberg-joel-kaplan-trump-nick-clegg-2025-1).

Kaplan, who has deep Republican ties from his previous role as deputy chief of staff for policy under former President George W. Bush, is seen as well-positioned to steer Meta through the upcoming Republican-controlled Congress and White House. As tensions mount between big tech firms and government entities, Zuckerberg himself has attempted to foster connections with Trump, as evidenced by Meta’s significant donations to the president-elect’s inaugural fund [The Hill](https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5063842-joel-kaplan-to-replace-nick-clegg-as-meta-global-policy-leader/).

As Clegg transitions out, he will remain for a few months to support Kaplan's takeover. Zuckerberg acknowledged Clegg's contributions, stating, "You’ve made an important impact advancing Meta’s voice and values around the world" and expressed enthusiasm for Kaplan's deep experience in policy matters [CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/02/tech/meta-nick-clegg-stepping-down-joel-kaplan/index.html).

While the leadership change is notable, it occurs against the backdrop of ongoing federal investigations and antitrust scrutiny facing Meta. With Kaplan at the helm, the company aims to navigate these challenges while responding to the conservative political landscape that has become increasingly influential in tech policy [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-zuckerberg-joel-kaplan-trump-nick-clegg-2025-1).