Sheryl Sandberg Steps Down from Meta Board After 12 Years

Sheryl Sandberg, Meta Platform’s former Chief Operating Officer and a key architect of the company’s rise to tech giant status, announced via Facebook post on Wednesday that she will step down from the board of directors in May.

Her departure marks the end of a 14-year tenure that saw Facebook, now Meta, transform from a nascent social network into a global force with billions of users and immense advertising power.

“Meta is strong and well-positioned for the future, so this feels like the right time to step away,” Sandberg wrote in a Facebook post announcing her decision. She added that she will continue to serve as an advisor to the company.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg responded to Sandberg’s announcement, writing, “I’m incredibly grateful for Sheryl’s leadership and friendship over the past 14 years. She has been an incredible partner, mentor, and friend. I look forward to a new chapter together—as colleagues, friends, and partners in the important work we do through the Sandberg-Zuckerberg Foundation.”

Sandberg joined Facebook in 2008, bringing a wealth of experience from Google and the U.S. Treasury Department. She quickly became the company’s public face, overseeing its advertising and business operations, and helping it navigate through explosive growth and public scrutiny.

Under her leadership, Facebook pioneered targeted advertising, generating massive revenue and making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.

However, Sandberg’s tenure was also marked by controversy. Facebook faced criticism for its handling of user data, misinformation, and online hate speech. Sandberg was a vocal defender of the company, often highlighting its efforts to address these issues while acknowledging its shortcomings.

Furthermore, you should know that Sandberg’s departure comes at a time of transition for Meta. The company is facing increasing competition from TikTok and other platforms like YouTube, and its pivot to the metaverse is still in its early stages. It remains to be seen how Meta will navigate these challenges without the steady hand of its former COO.