Meta just handed the keys to its most widely used product to a fintech founder. Kunal Shah, the entrepreneur behind Indian credit card payments platform CRED, has been named the new global head of WhatsApp, effective June 22, 2026.
He replaces Will Cathcart, who led the messaging app for nearly seven years. Cathcart isn’t leaving Meta entirely. He’s transitioning into a new role focused on product innovation, including artificial intelligence work.
Meta is simultaneously leading a $900 million funding round in CRED, acquiring an estimated 20% minority stake in Shah’s company.
From fintech founder to WhatsApp chief
Shah founded CRED in 2018 as a platform for credit card bill payments, and it grew into one of India’s most prominent fintech startups. The company reported operating revenue of 2,735 crore rupees in FY25.
