Meta is facing another major shift inside its top ranks as Chief Revenue Officer John Hegeman steps down after nearly two decades at the company. His departure comes as Meta pushes deeper into AI, sparking pressure from investors and reshaping responsibilities across its leadership team. The move marks one of the platform’s most significant executive exits in years.
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A spokesperson confirmed that John Hegeman is leaving to start his own company, marking a significant change inside Meta’s revenue and advertising structure. His exit arrives at a moment when the company is under heightened pressure to defend its costly push into AI.
John Hegeman, who stepped into the CRO role only last December, played a central part in shaping Meta’s global monetization strategy. Over his long tenure, he helped build the company’s massive advertising engine across Facebook and Instagram, one of the most profitable digital ad ecosystems in the world. He also led teams across ads, feed, stories, notifications and integrity, roles that positioned him at the heart of Meta's core business operations, as per a report by Bloomberg.
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A spokesperson confirmed “Hegeman is leaving the company after 17 years,” and added that “he is planning to launch his own company,” though details on the new venture have not been disclosed, as per a report by Bloomberg.
With Hegeman’s departure, Meta is elevating longtime executive Andrew Bocking to take over his key responsibilities. Bocking has been with Meta for more than a decade and most recently led the advertising product group. Now, he will oversee all advertising and business messaging, which account for most of Meta’s revenue. His background includes work on AI-driven ad tools such as Meta Advantage+, a suite built to automate marketing campaigns, as per a report by Bloomberg.
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Clara Shih, who joined Meta last November to head its Business AI unit, is also stepping down after the unexpected death of her father, a company spokesperson said. Her responsibilities will shift internally as part of the broader leadership changes.
The reorganization comes as Meta continues growing its ad business while facing investor skepticism over rising AI spending. The company reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter revenue but warned of significantly higher spending in 2026, a projection that pushed Meta’s stock down roughly 20%, as per a report by Bloomberg.
The departure of its Chief Revenue Officer adds another layer of uncertainty and marks a pivotal moment in the company’s ongoing transformation.
Why is John Hegeman leaving Meta?
He’s departing to start his own company after 17 years at Meta.
Who is taking over Meta’s AI and advertising roles?
Andrew Bocking will oversee ads and messaging, while Naomi Gleit takes over Business AI.
ALSO READ: Gemini 3 release imminent - here's what to expect from the Google's latest release
A spokesperson confirmed that John Hegeman is leaving to start his own company, marking a significant change inside Meta’s revenue and advertising structure. His exit arrives at a moment when the company is under heightened pressure to defend its costly push into AI.
Why is Meta losing its Chief Revenue Officer?
John Hegeman, who stepped into the CRO role only last December, played a central part in shaping Meta’s global monetization strategy. Over his long tenure, he helped build the company’s massive advertising engine across Facebook and Instagram, one of the most profitable digital ad ecosystems in the world. He also led teams across ads, feed, stories, notifications and integrity, roles that positioned him at the heart of Meta's core business operations, as per a report by Bloomberg.
ALSO READ: Spotify not working? Users report widespread outage, as they "can't even open it"
A spokesperson confirmed “Hegeman is leaving the company after 17 years,” and added that “he is planning to launch his own company,” though details on the new venture have not been disclosed, as per a report by Bloomberg.
Who steps into Meta’s top revenue role next?
With Hegeman’s departure, Meta is elevating longtime executive Andrew Bocking to take over his key responsibilities. Bocking has been with Meta for more than a decade and most recently led the advertising product group. Now, he will oversee all advertising and business messaging, which account for most of Meta’s revenue. His background includes work on AI-driven ad tools such as Meta Advantage+, a suite built to automate marketing campaigns, as per a report by Bloomberg.
ALSO READ: New poll delivers big blow to Trump as approval rating takes sharp dive
Clara Shih, who joined Meta last November to head its Business AI unit, is also stepping down after the unexpected death of her father, a company spokesperson said. Her responsibilities will shift internally as part of the broader leadership changes.
How does this exit fit into Meta’s broader AI strategy?
The reorganization comes as Meta continues growing its ad business while facing investor skepticism over rising AI spending. The company reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter revenue but warned of significantly higher spending in 2026, a projection that pushed Meta’s stock down roughly 20%, as per a report by Bloomberg.
The departure of its Chief Revenue Officer adds another layer of uncertainty and marks a pivotal moment in the company’s ongoing transformation.
FAQs
Why is John Hegeman leaving Meta?
He’s departing to start his own company after 17 years at Meta.
Who is taking over Meta’s AI and advertising roles?
Andrew Bocking will oversee ads and messaging, while Naomi Gleit takes over Business AI.
