Jason Droege Steps In as Scale AI CEO Following Meta Deal
After Alexandr Wang’s transition to Meta, Scale AI names Jason Droege—known for his time at Uber and Benchmark—as its new chief executive officer.
Silas Davenport 
Leadership reshuffle comes amid $14.3 billion Meta investment
Scale AI has officially appointed Jason Droege as its new CEO, following the departure of founder Alexandr Wang, who is set to join Meta as part of a $14.3 billion strategic agreement. The transition marks a notable shift in leadership as the artificial intelligence firm aligns more closely with Meta’s expansive AI goals.
From Uber to Scale AI: A new phase of leadership
Jason Droege, previously serving as Scale AI’s chief strategy officer, brings a track record shaped by his leadership at Uber, where he oversaw major platform expansions, and by his role as a venture partner at Benchmark. His promotion to CEO comes as the company prepares to operate under a new structural arrangement—one that includes a significant external investment but limits governance influence.
The departure of Alexandr Wang had been the subject of speculation earlier in the week, and was confirmed through an internal note to Scale AI employees. In the message, Wang acknowledged that the scale of the opportunity presented by Meta came with personal sacrifice. He emphasized his continued commitment to Scale’s long-term mission by remaining on the company’s board of directors.
Meta's strategic play and Wang’s new role
The $14.3 billion investment grants Meta a 49% stake in Scale AI, though without any voting rights. A spokesperson for Scale confirmed that this arrangement ensures operational independence and preserves the confidentiality of client data. Meta is already a major customer of Scale AI, alongside competitors like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI.
According to Meta, the partnership will enhance ongoing collaboration in AI data generation and bring Wang onboard to contribute to what the company describes as its superintelligence efforts. The move comes as Mark Zuckerberg intensifies focus on AI in response to competitive pressure from industry giants.
No disruption expected for existing clients
While a small number of Scale AI employees will also join Meta, the company reassured stakeholders that its relationships with existing clients—including rivals of Meta—will remain unaffected. The agreement ensures that Meta will not have access to internal data or business-sensitive information.
Jason Droege’s appointment marks the beginning of a new operational chapter for Scale AI, balancing continuity with a recalibrated vision amid growing industry stakes in artificial intelligence.
