Meta Appoints Curtis Mahoney as New Chief Legal Officer to Strengthen Global Legal Team

Prime Highlights:

  • Curtis Mahoney, former Microsoft executive and Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, joins Meta as Chief Legal Officer, replacing Jennifer Newstead.
  • Meta aims to strengthen its legal and regulatory strategy amid ongoing child-safety lawsuits across the U.S.

Key Facts:

  • Mahoney most recently served as Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President and General Counsel and led teams across legal, engineering, sales, and marketing.
  • He previously represented Microsoft in U.S. congressional trade hearings and brings experience in international regulatory matters.

Background:

Meta announced on Tuesday that Curtis Joseph Mahoney, a veteran legal executive formerly at Microsoft, will become its new Chief Legal Officer. He will replace Jennifer Newstead, who is leaving in March to take on the role of Apple’s General Counsel.

Mahoney brings strong experience in corporate law and international trade. He most recently served as Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President and General Counsel and previously worked as a Deputy U.S. Trade Representative during President Donald Trump’s first term, giving him valuable insight into global regulations.

Meta is currently dealing with several lawsuits related to child safety. One case in New Mexico claims that the company did not properly protect children from sexual abuse and human trafficking on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Mahoney’s hiring is seen as a move to strengthen the company’s legal and compliance efforts.

“C.J. brings top-tier legal experience and deep knowledge of global regulatory issues,” said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. “I look forward to working with him to support Meta’s mission of connecting people worldwide.”

At Microsoft, Mahoney joined in 2021 as Deputy General Counsel, focusing on trade and cloud services. He also represented the company in U.S. congressional hearings on trade matters and oversaw projects in Africa. In 2025, he became Microsoft’s General Counsel, leading teams across engineering, sales, marketing, and legal departments.

“I’m grateful for the trust Mark and the Board have given me as I leave Microsoft and start this new role at Meta,” Mahoney said. “I’m excited to help Meta grow and connect people everywhere,” Mahoney said.

With him in charge of the legal team, Meta plans to handle regulatory issues while continuing to expand worldwide.

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