Meta Appoints Connor Hayes as Threads Head Amid Growing User Base

Meta has appointed Connor Hayes, VP of product for generative AI, to head Threads. Hayes will replace Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who previously oversaw the platform. Threads has grown rapidly, with mobile daily active users nearing X's numbers. Hayes will lead the platform as it continues to expand.

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) has appointed Connor Hayes, VP of product for generative AI, to head Threads. Hayes will replace Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who previously oversaw the platform. This strategic move comes as Threads continues to grow rapidly, with mobile daily active users nearing those of X, Meta's flagship app [2].

Hayes, a long-time Meta executive, will take over leadership of the microblogging service, which competes with X and other similar platforms. The appointment represents an important step in Meta's commitment to developing Threads as a standalone product within its family of apps. This move comes as Threads has been working on new ways to grow its user base, including testing a new sign-up option that allows users to connect their Facebook profiles instead of their Instagram accounts [1].

The shift in leadership coincides with Threads' rapid growth. As of April, Threads had 350 million active users, closing in fast on X's 600 million actives. According to Similarweb, Threads is now only trailing X by 17 million daily active users in terms of mobile usage [1]. This growth has necessitated dedicated leadership to ensure the platform's continued success and expansion.

Hayes' appointment is expected to drive Threads' continued growth and innovation. The platform's ability to leverage both Instagram and Facebook data for content recommendations and user engagement is a key differentiator. By offering users the option to sign up using their Facebook profiles, Threads can tap into Facebook's vast user base, potentially boosting its user numbers significantly [1].

In conclusion, Meta's appointment of Connor Hayes as the head of Threads signals a commitment to the platform's growth and independence. As Threads continues to innovate and expand, it will be interesting to see how Hayes' leadership impacts its trajectory and competitive position in the social media landscape.

References:
[1] https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/threads-tests-sign-up-using-facebook-profile-instead-of-instagram/753156/
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/meta-names-connor-hayes-as-head-of-threads--axios-93CH-4140362