Sheryl Sandberg, the former Chief Operating Officer of Meta Platforms, has announced her decision to step down from the company's board of directors after serving for 12 years. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Sandberg revealed her intention to leave the board when her term concludes in May. Emphasizing the strength and promising future of Meta's business, she expressed that the timing felt right for her departure and shared her plan to continue contributing to the company in an advisory capacity.
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, responded to Sandberg's announcement with optimism about the future, expressing anticipation for a "new chapter together."
Sandberg's decision marks the end of a significant chapter in her tenure with Meta. Having served over 14 years as the company's Chief Operating Officer, she had already stepped down from that role in 2022. Once holding the position of second-in-command to founder Mark Zuckerberg, Sandberg played a pivotal role as one of the most visible executives at Meta. Notably, she was the lead architect of the company's ads-based business model, which has faced criticism over the years.
Throughout her tenure, Sandberg staunchly defended Meta, previously known as Facebook, amid various controversies. She consistently argued that the company's executives were learning from mistakes and actively refining tools to better regulate and combat harmful content on the platform.
Before joining Facebook, Sandberg held key positions at Google, serving as the Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations. Additionally, she served as the Chief of Staff for the United States Treasury Department during President Bill Clinton's administration.
A graduate of Harvard University, Sandberg is not only a seasoned executive but also an accomplished author. Her notable works include the 2013 feminist manifesto "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead." As she prepares to transition away from the board, Sandberg leaves behind a lasting legacy shaped by her influential role in Meta's development and her commitment to addressing challenges within the tech industry.
