Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Will Cathcart is stepping down as head of WhatsApp after leading the messaging app for seven years.
Cathcart, credited with scaling the service to more than three billion users while championing privacy, will transition to a new role within Meta focused on building fresh products from the ground up.
Zuckerberg expressed gratitude for Cathcart’s contributions in a statement.
“Will’s been one of Meta’s most important and effective leaders, helping to bring WhatsApp to over 3 billion people and championing privacy for our community. I’m super grateful for his partnership and contributions over these years,” he said.
“I’m excited to continue to work together closely,” Zuckerberg added.
Kunal Shah, founder of Indian fintech firm CRED, will take over as WhatsApp’s new leader.
Zuckerberg highlighted Shah’s credentials: “Kunal built CRED into one of India’s most important technology companies, and he brings the kind of builder mentality and global perspective that will serve him well in running the world’s biggest messaging app.”
The leadership change comes as WhatsApp continues to expand its reach among billions of users and businesses worldwide.
