Linda Yaccarino, the Chief Executive Officer of X (formerly known as Twitter), has stepped down from her position after serving two years at the helm of the Elon Musk-owned social media platform.
Yaccarino announced her resignation in a post on 𝕏 on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and noting the company’s transition into a new phase under xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence company, which recently acquired the platform.
Although Yaccarino did not specify the exact reason for her resignation, her statement suggested a strategic shift as X deepens its integration with xAI’s broader ambitions.
“After two incredible years, I’ve decided to step down as CEO of X. When #elonmusk and I first discussed his vision for X, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Now, the best is yet to come as X enters a new chapter with #xai,” she wrote, alluding to the platform’s evolving incorporation of artificial intelligence technologies.
She praised the platform’s transformation during her leadership, particularly in reviving the company’s business operations and restoring advertiser confidence.
Reports indicate that Yaccarino joined X in June 2023 after a successful tenure as an advertising executive at NBC Universal, having been personally recruited by Musk to lead the platform as part of his ambitious plan to turn it into an “Everything App.”
“I’m immensely grateful to him for entrusting me with the responsibility of safeguarding free speech, turning the company around, and transforming X into the Everything App,” she stated.
Yaccarino highlighted key milestones achieved under her leadership, including improvements in user safety, child protection, and the development of Community Notes, a fact-checking feature designed to provide context to viral posts.
Describing X as the “world’s most powerful cultural signal,” Yaccarino commended the team behind the scenes and thanked users and partners for their contributions to the platform’s growth.
“I’m incredibly proud of the X team. The historic business turnaround we accomplished together has been nothing short of remarkable,” she remarked.
She indicated that X had successfully regained advertiser trust and developed tools like 𝕏 Money, the platform’s upcoming digital payment system aimed at expanding its fintech capabilities.
Yaccarino’s resignation comes with rising speculation about Elon Musk’s increased focus on AI, especially following xAI’s full acquisition of X.
Musk, who purchased Twitter for $44 billion in 2022 and subsequently rebranded it as X, is also the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. He initially served as interim CEO of X before appointing Yaccarino to manage day-to-day operations while he concentrated on product engineering and AI integration.