Source – Business Insider
Former Meta operating chief, Sheryl Sandberg, has announced her departure from the company’s board of directors, bringing an end to her influential tenure. In a heartfelt Facebook post on Wednesday, the 54-year-old expressed gratitude and reflected on her time with the social media giant. Sandberg initially joined Facebook in 2008 as Mark Zuckerberg’s top deputy, later becoming a board member in 2012. During her leadership, Facebook evolved from a startup to a global powerhouse, reaching a peak market cap of over $1 trillion in 2021.
Series of Controversies
The decision to step down from Meta was revealed in mid-2022 amid a series of controversies that tarnished the company’s reputation. Notably, Facebook faced criticism for its role in spreading disinformation during the 2016 election and the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Antitrust investigations and concerns about inadequate measures to combat hate speech further fueled the scrutiny during Sandberg’s departure.
Javier Olivan succeeded Sheryl Sandberg as Meta’s Chief Operating Officer when she stepped down in June 2022. Since leaving Meta, Sandberg has been actively involved in her nonprofit organization, LeanIn.org, focusing on empowering women in the workplace and related initiatives. Sandberg emphasized the significance of her new chapter and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Zuckerberg’s Positive Responds
Mark Zuckerberg responded to Sheryl Sandberg’s announcement with gratitude, acknowledging her extraordinary contributions to the company and community. Adam Bosworth, Meta’s technology chief, also praised Sandberg for her remarkable run and thanked her for the impact on both the company and himself personally.
Robust Future
The Meta board, now without Sheryl Sandberg, includes prominent figures such as Peggy Alford, Marc Andreessen, Drew Houston, Nancy Killefer, Robert M. Kimmitt, Tony Xu, and Tracey T. Travis. Zuckerberg expressed anticipation for the next chapter and collaboration with Sandberg in the future.
In her detailed Facebook post, Sheryl Sandberg explained that her decision to step away from the board comes at a time when Meta’s business is robust and well-positioned for the future. She expressed confidence in the leadership of Zuckerberg, Javier Olivan, Justin Osofsky, and Nicola Mendelsohn, highlighting their success in ensuring a smooth transition. While no longer serving as a board member, Sandberg will continue to support Meta in an advisory role.
Sandberg concluded her post by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Meta’s COO for 14 ½ years and as a board member for 12 years. She thanked Zuckerberg for his visionary leadership, partnership, and friendship, emphasizing his unique qualities as both a leader and a friend. Sandberg also acknowledged her colleagues, teammates, and fellow board members for their lasting friendships, guidance, and stewardship of products that have a significant impact worldwide.
