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Facebook vet Mosseri to run Instagram

Mike Krieger, Adam Mosseri, Kevin Systrom
Adam Mosseri, center, flanked by Instagram founders Mike Krieger (l.) and Kevin Systrom. Photo: Instagram

Longtime Facebook executive Adam Mosseri has been tapped to lead Instagram in the wake of the abrupt departures of the photo app's two founders last week. Mosseri has been with the Facebook network for over 10 years, most recently serving as head of product at Instagram.

Why it matters: Reports that the founders of Instagram and WhatsApp clashed with Facebook management suggest that it can be difficult to integrate acquired companies into Facebook without friction.

At the same time, Mosseri's tenure at Facebook ensures leadership at the parent company that they will have "one of their own" at the helm of Instagram's business.

Mosseri brings a deep understanding of Facebook's larger vision to Instagram and has enough experience at both companies to be able to navigate their shared and differentiated interests.

Our thought bubble: Mosseri played a very public role at Facebook in the aftermath of the 2016 election, explaining the way Facebook's News Feed worked and how the company was tackling misinformation. He may be new to the chief executive role, but he has plenty of experience managing both corporate and product needs.

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