Bluesky CEO Jay Graber steps down, Toni Schneider named interim chief

In a significant leadership change, Jay Graber has announced her departure from the role of CEO at Bluesky, the social media platform that has been gaining traction as a competitor to X, formerly known as Twitter. Graber will now assume the position of chief innovation officer, signaling a new chapter for the rapidly evolving platform. Toni Schneider, who previously served as a partner at True Ventures and held the CEO position at Automattic—creators of WordPress—has been appointed as the interim CEO. This decision comes as Bluesky has surpassed 40 million users, highlighting the urgent need for a seasoned leader to manage the operational complexities and regulatory challenges that accompany such growth. In her blog post, Graber emphasized the necessity for Bluesky to have a skilled operator at the helm as the company matures. She stated, "As Bluesky matures, the company needs a seasoned operator focused on scaling and execution." Graber's transition from her executive role reflects her desire to focus on innovation and idea exploration, a passion she has long held. "I'm most energized by exploring new ideas, bringing a vision to life, and helping people discover their strengths," Graber explained. Moving into a more specialized role aligns with her belief in the importance of engaging in work that fuels her enthusiasm. Graber expressed excitement about the future of decentralized social media, stating that she looks forward to collaborating with Schneider during this transitional phase. As the board of directors begins the search for a permanent CEO, Graber's involvement in selecting her successor will be crucial. Until then, Schneider will guide Bluesky through this pivotal period of change.