Sir Nick Clegg, the former UK deputy prime minister, has announced his departure as global affairs president at Meta, the parent company of Facebook. Describing his tenure as the “adventure of a lifetime,” Sir Nick said it was “the right time” for him to move on after more than five years in the role.
The announcement marks a significant transition for Meta as Sir Nick’s responsibilities will now be taken over by Joel Kaplan, a former Republican White House deputy chief of staff under President George W. Bush. Mr Kaplan, who has served as Sir Nick’s deputy, will become Meta’s chief global affairs officer.
A role bridging tech and politics
Sir Nick joined Meta in 2018, following his defeat as an MP in the 2017 general election. Reflecting on his time at the tech giant, he highlighted the unique challenges of navigating the intersection of technology and societal expectations.
“My time at the company coincided with a significant resetting of the relationship between ‘big tech’ and societal pressures,” Sir Nick said. “This was manifested in new laws, institutions, and norms affecting the sector. I hope I’ve played a role in bridging the very different worlds of tech and politics.”
He described his tenure as an “extraordinary privilege,” offering a front-row seat to Silicon Valley’s culture of innovation. “The pace and scale of change have been as dizzying as they have been ambitious,” he remarked.
The right successor at the right time
Praising his successor, Sir Nick expressed confidence in Joel Kaplan’s ability to lead Meta’s global affairs strategy in the face of evolving political and societal expectations.
“Joel is quite clearly the right person for the right job at the right time,” Sir Nick said. “He is ideally placed to shape the company’s strategy as societal and political expectations around technology continue to evolve.”
Kevin Martin, who previously chaired the Federal Communications Commission under George W. Bush, will step into Mr Kaplan’s former role as vice president of global policy.
A career of transitions
Sir Nick’s move marks yet another shift in a career that has spanned British politics, European governance, and now Silicon Valley. Having served as deputy prime minister in the UK’s coalition government from 2010 to 2015, he transitioned to Meta to navigate the intricate relationship between technology and policy on a global scale.
Looking ahead, Sir Nick hinted at future ventures, stating: “As with each chapter in my career – whether in politics, Government, or the private sector – I will move on to new adventures.” He added that he would spend the next few months ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities.
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The legacy of a silicon valley advocate
During his tenure, Sir Nick played a critical role in shaping Meta’s approach to regulatory scrutiny and public accountability. His work coincided with a period of intense scrutiny for big tech companies, as governments worldwide introduced new laws and standards to address issues like misinformation, data privacy, and monopolistic practices.
Sir Nick leaves Meta as it continues to face challenges, including growing regulatory pressure in the European Union and the United States. His successor, Joel Kaplan, will now oversee the company’s strategy at a time when technology giants are under heightened scrutiny for their influence on society.
Meta’s new chapter
Joel Kaplan’s promotion signals continuity for Meta as it navigates the complex global political landscape. With Kaplan at the helm and Kevin Martin stepping into a leadership role, Meta aims to reinforce its commitment to aligning technology with evolving societal expectations.
Sir Nick’s departure closes a significant chapter in the company’s history, but his influence in bridging tech and politics will likely resonate as Meta continues to adapt to a rapidly changing world. As Sir Nick himself said, the worlds of technology and politics are bound to “continue to interact in unpredictable ways across the globe.”
