Meta appoints Alex Schultz as first chief data officer

• Schultz, a 17-year Meta veteran who joined in 2007, will focus on transforming how Meta learns and makes decisions in the AI era
• Meta is projected to spend as much as $145 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026, part of Big Tech's over $700 billion investment in the technology
• The appointment is part of broader leadership changes, with the company also building a cloud business to sell excess AI computing capacity

Meta Appoints First Chief Data Officer in AI Strategy Shift

Meta announced Wednesday that Chief Marketing Officer Alex Schultz will become the company's inaugural Chief Data Officer, marking a strategic pivot toward enhanced AI-driven analytics and decision-making. Schultz, a 17-year veteran who joined Meta in 2007, will focus on "transforming how Meta learns and makes decisions in the AI era."

Key Leadership Changes:

• Alex Schultz transitions from CMO to newly created CDO role
• Nicole Moreno, also a 17-year Meta veteran, elevated to Chief Marketing Officer
• Changes signal deeper commitment to data-driven operations and AI integration across the company

Financial Context:

Meta is projected to spend up to $145 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026, representing a substantial portion of Big Tech's total $700+ billion investment in AI technology this year. The company is also developing a cloud business to monetize excess AI computing capacity.

Background:

Schultz's tenure at Meta included developing the company's brand strategy and leading WhatsApp privacy campaigns. Moreno began her career at the company managing various operations before her promotion.

Market Implications:

The executive restructuring underscores Meta's aggressive AI expansion strategy and commitment to maximizing returns on massive infrastructure investments. Creating a dedicated CDO position reflects the growing importance of data governance and AI analytics in competitive positioning within Big Tech. The move suggests Meta is prioritizing operational efficiency and data monetization as it scales its AI capabilities, potentially improving margins on its substantial capital expenditures.

The leadership changes were first reported by Axios before Meta's official announcement on July 1, 2026.