Sheryl Sandberg Is Leaving Meta After 14 Years As The Chief Operating Officer

Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Meta, will leave the social media giant after 14 years.

Sandberg took the role of COO at Facebook (now known as Meta) in March of 2008, after having met Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg at a Christmas party.

Before joining Facebook, Sandberg was the key figure to build the advertising business at Google. Sandberg become the eighth board member and first female board member of Facebook in 2012.

During her time at the company, she oversaw the advertising business that helped businesses target users through data collected from their profiles and user activities.

Sandberg commented on her departure:

“When I took this job in 2008, I hoped I would be in this role for five years. Fourteen years later, it is time for me to write the next chapter of my life. I am not entirely sure what the future will bring – I have learned no one ever is. But I know it will include focusing more on my foundation and philanthropic work, which is more important to me than ever given how critical this moment is for women.”

During her time at the social media giant, she was in charge of operations including sales, marketing, human resources, and communications.

Over the coming months Sandberg transition her direct reports before officially leaving the company this fall.

She wrote:

“Over the next few months, Mark and I will transition my direct reports and I will leave the company this fall. I still believe as strongly as ever in our mission, and I am honored that I will continue to serve on Meta’s board of directors.”