WhatsApp gets new chief as Meta taps India’s CRED founder Kunal Shah, and invests $900M in startup

WhatsApp appointed Kunal Shah as its new head on October 26, 2023, with Will Cathcart transitioning to a new role within Meta. Shah previously served as the CEO of CRED, an Indian fintech company he founded. This leadership change coincides with Meta's announcement of a $900 million investment in a startup, though the specific startup was not named in the report. The investment signals Meta's continued focus on expanding its presence and capabilities in emerging markets and the digital economy. Cathcart's move to a new position at Meta is expected to leverage his experience in scaling global products. Shah's appointment at WhatsApp aims to drive the messaging platform's growth and innovation, particularly in regions where it has a significant user base. The $900 million investment is a substantial commitment, indicating a strategic push by Meta to foster innovation and potentially acquire new technologies or market share through this undisclosed startup.