The controversial social media giant Twitter will soon have a new CEO after a lengthy search. Elon Musk purchased the company a few months ago.
On May 12, Musk announced his replacement through Twitter and urged his cynical followers to allow the new CEO some time to prove themselves in the following weeks.
Musk’s time at the helm of Twitter has not been without hiccups. Musk, following his $44 billion takeover of the company, instituted sweeping and controversial changes to reshape the social media platform.
These included alterations to the account verification process, the reinstatement of previously banned accounts like that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, and widespread layoffs of the company’s then-seven thousand employees.
A poll asking Twitter users if Musk should resign as CEO was launched by Musk just two months into his term. Musk reversed his position on the survey after 57% of voters said he should quit. The future of Twitter is unknown, but a new CEO will soon take office.
Twitter’s new CEO is Linda Yaccarino, formerly the head of advertising sales at NBCUniversal, whom Musk appointed to the post. Musk, however, has said that he will continue his role as CTO and executive chair at Twitter, where he will be responsible for the company’s product and software development.
Musk has promised to have a Twitter Space with Yaccarino soon to answer users’ worries about the abrupt move. But as Yaccarino assumes charge of Twitter’s corporate operations, she faces an uphill task.
I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!@LindaYacc will focus primarily on business operations, while I focus on product design & new technology.
Looking forward to working with Linda to transform this platform into X, the everything app. https://t.co/TiSJtTWuky
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 12, 2023
Twitter users had mixed reactions to Yaccarino’s appointment, with many voicing their approval or disapproval of her views on free speech and how much control a firm should have over it.
Her strategy for the position is unknown, but Musk has stressed that he would continue to handle the nuts and bolts. Only time will tell what the shift at the top will do for Twitter’s bottom line, but it’s possible that it won’t lead to the reintroduction of certain critical security measures.
Check out this tweet from Elon Musk, which can be found below:
As soon as @LindaYacc is ready, we will do a Spaces where you can ask us anything
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 12, 2023
Yaccarino’s hiring was announced the day after Twitter said it will begin removing inactive accounts after 30 days.
Current users were not happy about this development, especially those who wanted to keep the accounts of those who had left Twitter after Musk’s takeover or who had passed away. The Elon Musk era of Twitter will remain in the spotlight despite the arrival of a new CEO.
