MENLO PARK, Calif.: Meta has appointed longtime executive Tucker Bounds to lead its global communications and public affairs operations, succeeding David Ginsberg, who is moving into a newly created role focused on AI and product innovation.The leadership transition, reported by Axios based on an internal staff memo, places Bounds at the centre of Meta's corporate communications and public affairs strategy at a time when artificial intelligence, platform safety and regulatory issues are increasingly prominent in the company's external affairs.Bounds is a veteran of Meta's communications organisation. He first joined Facebook in 2011 and remained with the company until 2014, returning in 2017. In his most recent role, he oversaw communications spanning Meta's products and apps, executive communications, corporate communications and social channels.His responsibilities have also included public affairs. When Meta reorganised its communications function in 2022 and appointed Ginsberg to lead global communications and public affairs, Bounds was given responsibility for a newly established global public affairs team.Ginsberg described the latest transition as part of a succession plan that had been in development for several years, according to the memo cited by Axios.Ginsberg moves into AI-focused roleRather than leaving Meta, Ginsberg will take up the position of Vice President, Product, Insights Innovation. He will work with Meta's Chief Data Officer Alex Schultz on applying AI to user research and product development.Ginsberg joined Facebook in 2017 and subsequently held senior positions across research and product before taking charge of the company's communications and public affairs organisation in 2022.The change reflects Meta's broader push to integrate AI more deeply into its products and internal operations, while communications and public affairs remain under Bounds' leadership.Bounds takes over as Meta reshapes its communications operationThe appointment gives Bounds responsibility for communicating Meta's position on a wide range of issues surrounding its platforms and business, including AI and platform safety. Axios reported that the change comes as the company continues to face regulatory and reputational scrutiny.Meta's wider global affairs organisation is led by Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan. Kevin Martin serves as Vice President of Global Policy.The move also marks a significant change in responsibilities for two executives who have spent years in senior positions at Meta. Bounds will take the communications and publicaffairs brief, while Ginsberg moves closer to the company's product and AI development work.The transition is part of a broader evolution in the role of corporate communications at major technology companies, where communications teams increasingly operate alongside policy, product, data and AI functions. Industry analysis published by PRovoke Media earlier this year similarly identified AI, reputational risk and the growing integration of communications with core business functions as major themes for communications leaders in 2026.

Independent Schools Australia (ISA) has appointed Shaun Rigby as its new Director of Public Affairs and Communications. With a wealth of experience in public policy, government relations, and strategic communications, Rigby will be instrumental in advancing the interests of independent schools across the nation.Prior to joining ISA, Rigby held senior leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. His expertise in government relations and advocacy will be invaluable in navigating the complex policy landscape and ensuring that the voices of independent schools are heard at the highest levels of government.In his new role, Rigby will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy to promote the benefits of independent education and engage with key stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and policymakers.

Weber Shandwick India, today launched the ?Ç£Elections Matter: India Report?Ç¥. The survey led by the Corporate Advisory and Public Affairs practice, examined election sentiments around news consumption habits, trust in different information sources and voting behaviours and motivations among Gen Z (18-24 years) and Millennial (25-44) consumers in India. Key findingsMedia consumption behaviour w.r.t. current events, news & politicsGenerational differences in news consumption: Stark contrast exists in news engagement between Millennials and Gen Zs. Over 55% of Millennials followed news daily, compared to about 36% of Gen Z with males significantly more inclined to current events, news & politics. While TV is among the top 3 news sources, there was a significantly lower preference among Gen Zs (44%) compared to Millennials (60%).Reaffirmation of digital consumption surge: YouTube is the leading platform for consumption of current events, news and politics, in keeping with the digital media uptake. It was the dominant information source across all demographics, particularly driven by Delhi, while TV channels were on top in Chennai and Bangalore. It was followed closely by Instagram, TV, and WhatsApp.Most watched is necessarily not the most trusted: Google search, print media, and digital news media had a higher trust quotient compared to most social media platforms.Traditional media resonating stronger for Millennials: Print media continued to have higher acceptance among Millennials. 45% Millennials consumed print media for news and politics compared to only 31% Gen Zs. This preference pattern was evident even in the consumption pattern for television. South India especially Chennai and Bangalore had a stronger leaning to television than the rest of India. Also, 42% males favoured print versus 33% of women. Print media was also high on trust compared to most social media platforms.Concerns about misinformation: After fake news websites, social media influencers topped the list for spreading misinformation. Males in particular were especially distrustful of them.Sentiments towards elections & votingMotivated Millennials and less enthusiastic Gen Zs: Millennials were significantly motivated by elections and voting due to a strong sense of civic duty and the desire for educational reform. Chennai and Hyderabad had a higher sentiment comparatively towards elections. In contrast, Gen Z showed less enthusiasm, hinting at a potential apathy in political engagement. Priority issues for elections and new government expectations: Civic and social factors such as infrastructure development, outweighed economic concerns and party manifesto promises as primary voting motivations across gender and generational cohorts. The state of the economy and education were the most pressing issues both for the current elections and future government focus, reflecting widespread concerns about socio-economic and educational development. This shift suggested a future-oriented approach to polling, with voters seeking macro-level changes for a better future.Regional differences in voting motivations: Voters in Delhi focused on infrastructure development, while those in southern regions, such as Chennai and Bangalore, prioritized voting for candidates who promised to bring about change and impactful leadership.Gender-specific concerns towards elections: While economy, education and public safety were perceived to be among the top priorities for the recent elections, women were particularly interested in women empowerment issues, highlighting the importance of gender-specific policy agendas. Also, over 55% would like the new government to focus on economy, education and healthcare agendas.Commenting on the consumer survey findings, Rohan Kanchan, MD ?Çô Consulting and Head of Public Affairs, Weber Shandwick India, said, ?Ç£This report underscores the dynamic nature of news consumption and electoral engagement in today?ÇÖs digital age. Even as broader generational trends are known, nuances within the cohorts reveal a break from the pattern. For instance, the connection of Influencers in consumer motivations vis-a-vis trust in perception, might have implications in analyzing corporate reputation and development of future strategies. Our national commonalities peppered with our regional disparities, continue to provide an interesting lens to any consumer study such as Elections Matter.?Ç¥ The survey was conducted by YouGov among 1,000 respondents from the top 10 cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. The demographics of the survey were balanced, with a near-equal split between males (51%) and females (49%), and evenly distributed between Gen Zs and Millennials.