X's global ad chief exits after just 10 months
What's the story
John Nitti, the global head of revenue operations and advertising innovation at X, has left the company after just 10 months. His departure comes amid a series of high-profile exits from Elon Musk's executive team. The Financial Times reports that Nitti was seen as a potential successor to former CEO Linda Yaccarino, who resigned in July.
Executive turnover
Nitti's exit part of larger trend
Nitti's exit is part of a larger trend of senior executive departures since Musk's increased involvement with xAI and the social media platform in March. The resignations are largely attributed to dissatisfaction with Musk's sudden strategy changes and the challenges of achieving goals under his leadership style. Other recent high-profile exits include CFO Mahmoud Reza Banki and Mike Liberatore and Robert Keele from xAI.
Pressure on executives
Pressure on advertising executives to boost sales
Nitti's departure highlights the intense pressure on advertising executives like him to boost sales, even as many advertisers have pulled back. This is largely due to Musk's decision to relax content moderation standards in the name of "free speech." The report cites sources saying Nitti was among sales leaders frustrated with Musk's handling of the advertising business.
Strategic shifts
Musk's unilateral decisions around advertising
Musk began making more unilateral decisions around advertising without consulting his leadership team. While xAI has recently secured new media partnerships and claims improving advertising metrics due to its AI technology, some advertisers privately complain they felt pressured to spend after X sued several brands for allegedly undertaking an "illegal boycott."