After seven years ahead of WhatsApp, Will Cathcart is leaving. “Proud”

Will Cathcart, executive in charge of WhatsApp within the Meta for almost seven years, will be leaving the post at a time when he “it seems the right time to take a step back.”.

The decision was announced on social media, where Cathcart pointed out was “very proud” what, along with the rest of the team, was built over the years.

Pointing out that the encrypted messaging system has reached over three billion people or even that the tool has extended to group conversations, the executive wrote: “ We defend the right for people to have private conversations around the world.”.

In addition to thanks, on the way out the executive also speaks of Kunal Shah, who will replace him in office. “ He's turned Cred into one of India's most important companies and cares about the people who depend on our applications. I look forward to seeing what the team and Kunal will continue to build”, he said.

Some personal news. After next 7 years leading WhatsApp, I’m excited to share who will take over the responsibility of delivery simple, reliable, and private message for the world. WhatsApp is in the strong position it’s ever been — and that felt like the right moment to..

— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) June 22, 2026

Shah also received praise from Meta's CEO and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who pointed out, according to BBC, that Shahtinha created “one of India's most important technology companies.”. 

Zuckerberg added the founder of fintech “brings the kind of mindset of who builds and the global perspective that will be valuable to him by commanding the world’s largest messages”

“ I look forward to working with Kunal Shah to continue making WhatsApp the best service for billions of people and millions of companies,” Zuckerberg said.

CRED, based in Bengaluru, offers users benefits and rewards related to credit card payments.

Before founding Cred in 2018, Shah was an investor and consultant for several startups in India and Southeast Asia, according to the BBC.