In a significant corporate leadership shift, technology behemoth Meta Platforms Inc. has announced the appointment of Dina Powell McCormick, a former senior adviser to ex-President Donald Trump, to the dual roles of president and vice chairman. The announcement was made public on January 12, 2026.
A Strategic Hire for Meta's Future
The move signals a strategic direction for the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, bringing in an executive with deep experience in government, global policy, and finance. Powell McCormick previously served as Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy under President Trump and was a counselor on economic initiatives.
Her background also includes a lengthy tenure as a partner at Goldman Sachs, where she led the firm's impact investing business. This blend of public policy acumen and private sector financial expertise is seen as a valuable asset for Meta as it navigates complex regulatory environments worldwide.
Background and Previous Roles
Dina Powell McCormick is no stranger to high-profile positions. During the Trump administration, she was a key figure in international economic and development programs. A notable role included her involvement with initiatives like the Women's Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative, aimed at advancing women's economic empowerment globally.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Meta, which continues to face scrutiny over content moderation, data privacy practices, and its evolving vision for the metaverse. Installing a leader with extensive Washington and international connections could be crucial for the company's lobbying and policy efforts.
Implications for Corporate Leadership
This executive appointment places Powell McCormick in one of the most powerful operational roles within Meta. As president and vice chairman, she will likely have broad oversight of corporate strategy, policy, and potentially global operations, reporting directly to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
The decision underscores a trend of major technology firms recruiting top talent from the political sphere to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and global capitals. For Meta, which has had a tumultuous relationship with regulators, having a seasoned policy expert at the highest level could prove instrumental.
The news of Powell McCormick's hiring was confirmed by the company and widely reported. It marks one of the most notable C-suite additions in the tech industry for the year 2026, setting the stage for Meta's next chapter under a leadership team with strengthened geopolitical and economic credentials.
