Meta's Chris Cox sought advice from Indian entrepreneur Kunal Shah via a cold email, impressed by his insights, and later appointed him as the leader of WhatsApp.
Shah's insights on the future of WhatsApp left a lasting impression on Meta's Chris Cox
Jun 24, 2026
04:17 pm
What's the storyMeta Platforms Inc. has appointed Kunal Shah, the founder of fintech start-up CRED and one of India's most prominent angel investors, as the new global head of WhatsApp.
The decision was made after Chris Cox, Meta's Chief Product Officer, reached out to Shah for advice on selecting a leader for the messaging service.
Meta’s Cox sought Kunal Shah’s WhatsApp advice — then made him leader
kunal shah: Meta’s Chris Cox sought Kunal Shah’s WhatsApp advice - then made him leader - The Economic Times
Meta appoints Kunal Shah as WhatsApp leader after cold email outreach
Meta appoints Kunal Shah as WhatsApp leader after cold email turned job offer
Meet Kunal Shah, serial entrepreneur and Meta's pick to lead WhatsApp - The Economic Times
Cred founder Kunal Shah to be WhatsApp's global head, Meta says he brings ‘builder mentality’
Indian startup head appointed as new WhatsApp boss
Tech Tonic | Kunal Shah is the man Meta trusts with WhatsApp’s future
Indian startup head Kunal Shah appointed as new WhatsApp boss
Kunal Shah's WhatsApp appointment underscores India's expanding Big Tech footprint
Meta appoints Kunal Shah as global head of WhatsApp, leveraging his expertise to unlock the app's revenue potential.
Meta Chief Product Officer Chris Cox reached out to Shah directly in the spring, seeking advice on picking the future leader of…
Meta names CRED founder Kunal Shah as new WhatsApp head, replacing Will Cathcart, while investing $900 million in Shah's fintech…
Meta named CRED founder Kunal Shah as the new head of WhatsApp, replacing Will Cathcart, while investing $900 million in Shah's…
Indian tech entrepreneur Kunal Shah is set to lead WhatsApp, the world's largest messaging platform, succeeding Will Cathcart.…
Kunal Shah, who has previously founded and sold FreeCharge and backed a range of Indian startups, will replace Will Cathcart, who…
