Fidji Simo, one of Facebook's highest-ranking executives and the head of the Facebook app, is heading to Instacart as its new CEO. She replaces Apoorva Mehta, Instacart's founder, who will become the executive chairman of Instacart's board of directors.
Simo, 35, has been with Facebook for nearly a decade, mostly recently running the Big Blue app. Prior to that, Simo led Facebook's video and games department. Her departure from Facebook creates a huge gap in the company's leadership; her position currently reports to Chris Cox, Facebook's chief product officer, and coordinates with Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.
Simo marks a big loss for Facebook, a company plagued by diversity issues in its executive leadership. She was one of Facebook's highest-ranking women. She told CNBC that she held several conversations with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the move over the course of a few weeks, adding that he was "incredibly supportive" of her decision.
"Obviously sad that we couldn't find something that aligned at Facebook, but also incredibly supportive of me taking on this role, which I'm always grateful for," Simo said.
She'll take on the role at Instacart on Aug. 2.
Correction: This story originally mischaracterized Fidji Simo as a person of color. Updated July 13, 2021.
Climate TRACE's data show emissions at the facility-level.Image: Climate TRACE