In a significant move, Sheryl Sandberg, the former chief operating officer and lead architect of Facebook’s business model, is set to step down from the board of Meta, Facebook’s parent company. Sandberg resigned from her executive role at Meta just under two years ago and will leave the board when her term ends in May. The 54-year-old played a pivotal role in shaping Facebook’s digital advertising-driven strategy during her tenure.
Sandberg, who joined Facebook in 2008 from Google, served as Meta’s chief operating officer for 14 years before stepping down in June 2022. She was once the second-in-command to Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO and founder. Despite her influential role, Sandberg faced controversies, including the Cambridge Analytica scandal and concerns about user data mining for advertising purposes.
In her Facebook post announcing the decision, Sandberg expressed confidence in Meta’s strength and future prospects, stating that it felt like the right time to step away. She will continue to advise the company even after leaving the board.
Mark Zuckerberg welcomed the decision, looking forward to a “new chapter together” with Sandberg. Her departure marks the end of an era for Meta, as she was one of the most visible and influential executives at the company.
Sandberg, a Harvard graduate, is also known for her advocacy for women’s leadership. Her 2013 feminist manifesto, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” led to the founding of the Lean In Girls charity, which focuses on teaching leadership skills to teenagers.
Throughout her career, Sandberg has been a key figure in the tech industry, having held notable positions at Google and the US Treasury Department under President Bill Clinton. Despite facing controversies, her impact on Meta’s growth and development has been widely acknowledged.
With a net worth of $1.9 billion, according to Forbes magazine, Sandberg’s influence on Meta and Facebook has been significant. Her departure will undoubtedly be closely watched as the company moves into a new phase without one of its long-time leaders.
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