Linda Yaccarino steps down as X CEO after 2 years; here's what she said on leaving and what's next

Linda Yaccarino, CEO of Elon Musk-led microblogging major X, has stepped down as the CEO of the company after two years. She didn't cite any specific reasons behind her decision to step down as the company's CEO.

Yaccarino was appointed as CEO in 2023 after Musk, who bought Twitter for $44 billion in late 2022 in a highly leveraged transaction, rebranded the platform as X and initiated sweeping changes, including cutting more than half of its global workforce. The company has since been operating with a leaner team, a move Musk claims has made X “one of the most efficient companies in the world.”

Yaccarino thanked Musk for entrusting her with the responsibility of protecting free speech, turning the company around, and transforming X into the "Everything App". "After two incredible years, I’ve decided to step down as CEO of 𝕏. When @elonmusk and I first spoke of his vision for X, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to carry out the extraordinary mission of this company. I’m immensely grateful to him for entrusting me with the responsibility of protecting free speech, turning the company around, and transforming X into the Everything App," she wrote on X.

Yaccarino also mentioned X's achievements in the last two years, calling them remarkable. "I’m incredibly proud of the X team - the historic business turnaround we have accomplished together has been nothing short of remarkable."

She commended the company's efforts towards making X a safer platform for users, especially children, and restoring advertiser confidence. "This team has worked relentlessly from groundbreaking innovations like Community Notes, and, soon, X Money, to bringing the most iconic voices and content to the platform. Now, the best is yet to come as X enters a new chapter with @xai."

Yaccarino said X is truly a digital town square for all voices and the world’s most powerful cultural signal. "We couldn’t have achieved that without the support of our users, business partners, and the most innovative team in the world. I’ll be cheering you all on as you continue to change the world. As always, I’ll see you on 𝕏."

Musk, meanwhile, has not commented on the matter.

In March this year, Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI acquired X (formerly Twitter) in an all-stock transaction, valuing xAI at $80 billion and X at $33 billion. The deal consolidated Musk’s two ventures and positioned them for deeper integration of AI and social media.