Meta appoints Derya Matras as VP of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region
Chatting with the New Sheriff in Town: Derya Matras, Meta's VP for EMEA
Mark your calendars, folks! On November 12, Meta has dropped a big one. Derya Matras, a seasoned technology executive, is stepping into the limelight, replacing Angie Gifford as the Vice President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. And here's the icing on the cake—she'll be working alongside Nicola Mendelsohn, Meta's Global Head of Global Business Group, starting immediately!
Derya isn't exactly a newcomer to the Meta family. She's been with them since 2015, and her exceptional leadership skills have earned her the responsibility of overseeing Meta's operations in over 80 nations. Her impressive portfolio includes countries like Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, the UK, and Northern Europe.
Nicola had some inspiring words to share about her new right-hand gal:
'Derya is all about people, and she's a boss who knows her stuff. She's got a knack for data-driven decisions and building diverse markets. Derya's passion lies in helping businesses grow and opening up opportunities for everyone. I can't wait to see her shine in this new role.'
Derya isn't a stranger to leadership. Before joining Meta, she held promising positions at major firms like McKinsey & Company. Now that she's been promoted, she's buzzing with excitement:
'I'm super stoked to take on the role of Vice President for EMEA at Meta's Global Business Group. I've been fortunate to work in this dynamic and diverse region for the past nine years, and I've seen the havoc our tools and platforms wreak on businesses of every size. I can't wait to collaborate with our partners across the entire region to max out their growth potential.'
Curious about Derya's impact within Meta? She's all about personalized advertising—that magical blend of user data and carefully tailored promotions. That's not all. Her commitment to small businesses isn't just rhetoric; she's advocated for the economic benefits of Meta's platforms, citing contributions of €213 billion in economic activity and sustaining 1.5 million jobs in Europe alone in 2024[1][2].
But wait, there's more. Derya's an advocate for women in technology and using tech to empower various groups[3]. She's a key player in navigating the digital landscape's complexities, including regulatory environments like the GDPR, which she believes needs a bit of a modern update[1].
Brace yourselves, EMEA. Derya's about to shake things up, and we can't wait to see what she's got in store!
Featured image: Derya Matras / Meta
In her new role as Vice President for EMEA, Derya Matras will be working closely with Nicola Mendelsohn, Meta's Global Head of Global Business Group, bringing her expertise in technology and finance to this position.
Derya's career extends beyond Meta, having held influential positions in media and business, including at McKinsey & Company.
As Derya takes on this new challenge, her focus will not only be on growth for businesses but also on leveraging technology for social impact, particularly in promoting careers for women and empowering various groups across the region.
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