A Strategic Leadership Transition at Meta

Meta Platforms Inc. has announced a significant leadership change in its Asia-Pacific operations. Sandhya Devanathan, who has been serving as the Vice President of Meta India, will now also oversee the company’s operations in Southeast Asia. This strategic move comes as Dan Neary, who has led Meta’s Asia-Pacific region for over a decade, steps down to spend more time with his family and explore future opportunities. Neary’s departure marks the end of a 12-year tenure that saw Meta’s expansion into some of its largest and fastest-growing international markets, including India, Southeast Asia, and Greater China.

Sandhya Devanathan: A Proven Leader

Devanathan brings over 22 years of experience in banking, payments, and technology to her expanded role. She joined Meta in 2016 and played a pivotal role in building the company’s operations in Singapore and Vietnam, as well as leading its e-commerce initiatives in Southeast Asia. In 2020, she transitioned to lead Meta’s gaming vertical in the Asia-Pacific region, one of the company’s largest global verticals. Devanathan is also known for her advocacy for women in leadership and diversity in the workplace. She serves as the Executive Sponsor for Women@APAC at Meta and is the global lead for Play Forward, a Meta initiative aimed at improving diversity representation in the gaming industry.

Meta’s Strategic Focus on India and Southeast Asia

India and Southeast Asia have become increasingly important markets for Meta, with a combined user base of over a billion people across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The company has launched several key products in these regions, including Reels, Business Messaging, and JioMart on WhatsApp, which represents Meta’s first end-to-end shopping experience in India. Devanathan’s expanded role underscores Meta’s commitment to strengthening its leadership and integration across its Asia-Pacific markets, ensuring a unified approach to growth and innovation in these critical regions.

Dan Neary’s Legacy and Departure

Dan Neary joined Meta in 2013 and has been instrumental in the company’s growth across the Asia-Pacific region. Under his leadership, Meta’s platforms became essential for communication, commerce, and digital advertising in countries like India, Indonesia, and Thailand. Neary’s departure is seen as a natural transition, allowing him to spend more time with his family and consider future opportunities. Meta has expressed gratitude for Neary’s contributions and leadership over the years, acknowledging his role in taking the company’s Asia-Pacific business to “incredible heights.”

Looking Ahead: Meta’s Vision for the Future

With Devanathan at the helm of both India and Southeast Asia operations, Meta aims to further strengthen its presence and impact in these key markets. The company is focused on driving digital adoption, fostering innovation, and building strong partnerships with brands, creators, and advertisers. As Meta continues to navigate the evolving digital landscape, the leadership transition is expected to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to its Asia-Pacific strategy, ensuring sustained growth and success in the region.