Facebook has hired Nick Clegg, a former UK deputy prime minister, to head its global affairs and communication team as it faces escalating problems over data protection and threat of greater government regulation.
Sir Nick will move to Silicon Valley in January to succeed Elliot Schrage, who announced he would leave Facebook after 10 years, in June.
His recruitment will be as much of a surprise to the British political establishment as it will be to Silicon Valley where few European politicians enjoy a high profile in the insular tech industry.
In a post on Facebook, Sir Nick said he felt Facebook must tackle the thorny questions about how technology was affecting society “not by acting alone in Silicon Valley, but by working with people, organisations, governments and regulators around the world to ensure that technology is a force for good.”
He agreed to take on the job after months of wooing by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s chief executive, who told Sir Nick he would have a leading role in shaping the company’s strategy.
Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg, said Sir Nick was a “thoughtful and gifted leader” who “understands deeply the responsibilities we have to people who use our services around the world.”
She also acknowledged the need for Facebook to bring in new blood to help it manage its many issues.
“Our company is on a critical journey. The challenges we face are serious and clear, and now more than ever, we need new perspectives to help us through this time of change.”
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