Continue on period of instability for X (formerly Twitter) since the arrival of Elon Musk at the top. The latest exit is that of Nick Pickles, responsible for global affairs, who has officially announced his resignation after ten years at the company. Pickles played a crucial role in managing the platform's government and public relations, particularly during the delicate transition phase that saw the Transformation from Twitter to X, under the leadership of Musk and CEO Linda Yaccarino.
Elon Musk and Pickles' Career in X
Nick Pickles He joined Twitter in 2014, when the company was still led by then-CEO Jack Dorsey. Initially, he served as a senior manager in the London office, but over the years, his responsibilities expanded, leading him to become vice president of global affairs in 2023. In this position, he worked closely with the New CEO Linda Yaccarino, named after theElon Musk's takeover of Twitter, to manage the delicate transition phase of rebranding.
During his stay, Pickles was tasked with represent the company in various disputes with governments and regulators around the world, working to protect the platform from growing regulatory pressure. He has been a key spokesperson in advocating for free expression and balancing calls for censorship and regulation from various states.
Pickles on X: “Decision made months ago, incredible journey”
Pickles' resignation, which they don't have an officially declared reason yet, have been planned for some time. He himself confirmed, in a post on X, that the decision had been made several months ago and that he had worked with Yaccarino to ensure a smooth transition. It is not yet clear what the next step in his career will be and whether he already has new professional challenges in mind.
“After more than ten years, tomorrow will be my last day at X. It's been an incredible journey. The one constant throughout my time at Twitter and X has been the amazing people I've worked with inside and outside the company. It's been a privilege to lead the Global Affairs team and I leave with more lasting memories and friendships than I expected when I first joined the London office in 2014. I took the decision to leave several months ago and I am grateful to Linda Yaccarino for her support and collaboration as we navigated the transition. I look forward to taking some time off before a new challenge,” he wrote Pickles on X.
Pickles' Role in X's Brazil Feud
One of Nick Pickles' last major assignments was represent X during the legal conflict with the Brazilian government. The platform has been suspended in Brazil due to failure to meet a deadline imposed by the Supreme Court, which required the appointment of a local legal representative.
Elon Musk harshly criticized the decision, arguing that Judge Alexandre de Moraes was trying to impose unjustified censorship. The Court, however, reiterated the need to regulate the platform to prevent the spread of hate and disinformation, especially related to pro-Bolsonaro accounts, deemed guilty of inciting hatred. Despite Pickles' efforts, therefore, X has been blocked in the country, polarizing public opinion and opening a deep rift between Musk and Brazilian authorities.
