Sheryl Sandberg, the former chief operating officer of Facebook's parent company, Meta, announced her departure from the company's board of directors, effective at the conclusion of her current term in May.

Sandberg, 54, revealed this decision in a Wednesday Facebook post, stating, "Meta business is strong and well-positioned for the future, so this feels like the right time to step away." She plans to continue her association with Meta as an advisor, as the Daily Mail reported.

A Storied Career at Meta

Sandberg's tenure at Meta has lasted over 14 years as COO and 12 years on the board. She played a pivotal role in significant acquisitions, including Instagram and WhatsApp, contributing to Meta's expansive growth.

Her exit followed her departure as COO in 2022, relinquishing that position while still maintaining her board role.

Personal Life and Career Highlights

Sandberg, a Harvard alumna, has had a diverse professional journey. After completing her MBA in 1995, she worked at the World Bank, McKinsey & Co, and later at Google, where she served as vice president of global online sales and operations.

In 2022, Sandberg married CEO Tom Bernthal, her third marriage. Prior to this, she was married to Brian Kraff and later to Dave Goldberg, with whom she had two children. Sadly, Goldberg passed away unexpectedly in 2015.

Sandberg's Influence and Challenges

Renowned for her role in shaping Meta's advertising-based business model, Sandberg often defended the company amid various controversies, including misinformation spread during the 2016 presidential election, the Cambridge Analytica scandal, and the Capitol unrest in January 2021.

Her departure is seen as a significant shift in the company's leadership dynamic.

Reflections on a Pioneering Journey

In her announcement, Sandberg expressed deep gratitude for her time at Meta, reflecting on her journey with "a heart filled with gratitude and a mind filled with memories."

She also offered insights into her leadership philosophy in a 2023 interview, advising, "Don't be afraid to speak up at work."

Zuckerberg and Others Respond to Sandberg's Departure

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, responded to Sandberg's announcement, expressing his gratitude for her "extraordinary contributions."

Technology chief Adam Bosworth also acknowledged Sandberg's impactful role, thanking her for her contributions to the company and to him personally.

The Challenges Ahead for Meta

Sandberg's departure comes at a challenging time for Meta, as the company faces increased competition from newer social media platforms like TikTok and navigates the implications of Apple's privacy laws on its ad-based business model.

Under her leadership, Meta achieved a market cap of $1 trillion.

Sandberg's Political Inclinations and Future Speculations

The Financial Times noted that Sandberg's exit has fueled speculation about a potential foray into politics.

Known for her Democratic leanings, Sandberg was a chief of staff to Larry Summers in the Clinton administration and an active supporter of Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.

She has also contributed to pro-abortion causes and has been vocal on international issues, including calling for the return of hostages following Hamas' recent attacks on Israel.