MAM
Sheryl Sandberg logs out from Meta after 14 years
Mumbai : Sheryl Sandberg has decided to step down from her position as a chief operating officer at Meta, ending a stint of 14 years at the tech major- the parent organisation of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, among other subsidiaries. Sandberg will leave the company this fall, after transitioning her direct reports over the next few months. She will, however, continue to serve on Meta’s board of directors.
Announcing on her Facebook page, Sandberg wrote a detailed, candid post about her time at the networking conglomerate. She also shared anecdotes of her initial struggles and work-life there, even as she recounted the highs and lows of her personal life during the period.
Today, I am sharing the news that after 14 years, I will be leaving Meta, she wrote. Talking about her initial days at the company, formerly called Facebook, Sandberg penned, “When I first met Mark, I was not looking for a new job – and I could have never predicted how meeting him would change my life. We were at a holiday party at Daniel L Rosensweig’s house. I was introduced to Mark as I walked in the door, and we started talking about his vision for Facebook. I had tried Facebook, as it was first called, but still thought the internet was a largely anonymous place to search for funny pictures. Mark’s belief that people would put their real selves online to connect with other people was so mesmerising that we stood by that door and talked for the rest of the night.”
Sandberg also touched upon the ongoing debate around privacy concerns in social media in her post, saying, “The products we make have a huge impact, so we have the responsibility to build them in a way that protects the privacy and keeps people safe.”
Talking about her future plans, she continued further, “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.”
“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 honoured that I will continue to serve on Meta’s board of directors,” she added.
Calling it “The end of an era”, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg responded to Sandberg’s post, writing: In the 14 years we’ve worked together, you’ve architected our ads business, hired great people, forged our management culture, and taught me how to run a company. I’m going to miss working alongside you every day, but grateful to have you as a lifelong friend.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for me and my family, for our company, and millions of people around the world. You’re a superstar,” he further added.
Prior to joining Facebook in 2008 as its COO, Sandberg was vice president of global online sales and operations at Google.
MAM
Goafest 2026 registrations now open at early bird rates
South Asia’s top advertising festival returns to Goa in May with fresh ideas and big conversations.
MUMBAI: Goafest is back and this time it’s not just calling for entries, it’s calling for everyone who wants to stay ahead of the creative curve. Delegate registrations for the 19th edition of Goafest, South Asia’s premier festival celebrating creativity and advertising excellence, are now open. Early Bird rates are available until 30 April 2026. The festival will take place from 20 to 22 May 2026 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon. It promises a dynamic line-up of keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities designed to spark fresh perspectives and meaningful industry connections.
Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) president Srinivasan K. Swamy said, “Goafest continues to be a defining platform for the advertising and marketing community, bringing together diverse voices from across the ecosystem.”
Goafest 2026 co-chairman of the organising committee Mohit Joshi added, “Each year, Goafest creates an environment that encourages collaboration and connection across the industry.”
Goafest is co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC). The event has established itself as one of the most anticipated gatherings in the advertising and marketing calendar, offering professionals a space to exchange ideas, learn from leaders and celebrate outstanding work.
In the fast-moving world of creativity, where trends change faster than campaign deadlines, Goafest remains the annual pit-stop where the industry catches its breath, swaps stories and leaves inspired ready to create the next big idea.
