Just two years after Elon Musk recruited her to lead the social media platform, Linda Yaccarino, 61, resigned as CEO of X on July 9.
A veteran advertising executive, Yaccarino's departure, announced via X, followed a tumultuous tenure marked by advertiser pullbacks and controversies, including antisemitic content from X's Grok chatbot.
She wrote: 'I'm immensely grateful to [Elon Musk] for entrusting me' to protect free speech and transform X.
After two incredible years, I’ve decided to step down as CEO of 𝕏.
— Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) July 9, 2025
When @elonmusk and I first spoke of his vision for X, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to carry out the extraordinary mission of this company. I’m immensely grateful to him for entrusting me…
Trace Her Career Path
Born on 21 December 1963, in Long Island, New York, Yaccarino, of Italian descent, grew up in Deer Park with a twin sister.
She earned a degree in telecommunications from Penn State University in 1985. Her 40-year career began at Turner Entertainment, where she held the position of executive vice-president for two decades.
Joining NBCUniversal in 2011, she led a 2,000-person advertising team, generating £80 billion ($108 billion) in ad sales and launching the Peacock platform.
Despite her success, colleagues noted her tenure was 'marked by instability' due to reorganisations.
Yaccarino joined X in June 2023, earning a £4.8 million ($6.5 million) base salary, plus £3.2 million ($4.3 million) in stock options and bonuses.
Explore Personal Life
Yaccarino is married to Claude Madrazo, whom she met post-graduation in 1985. They have two children, one of whom was formerly employed at X, and a grandchild residing in Sea Cliff, New York.
Her Italian-American heritage shaped her upbringing, with her father serving as an assistant chief of police and her mother as a civil servant. Known for conservative views,
Yaccarino served on Trump's sports and nutrition council during his first term, aligning with Musk's stance on free speech.
Her net worth, estimated at £32–40 million ($43–54 million), reflects her media success and investments in stocks like Starbucks and real estate.
Navigate X's Challenges
As X CEO, Yaccarino aimed to restore advertiser confidence following Musk's £35.2 billion ($47 billion) Twitter acquisition in 2022.
Facing Musk's controversial actions, such as telling advertisers to 'go f— yourself' at the 2023 DealBook Summit, she defended him, stating that X enabled 'information independence'.
Today @elonmusk gave a wide ranging and candid interview at @dealbook 2023. He also offered an apology, an explanation and an explicit point of view about our position. X is enabling an information independence that's uncomfortable for some people. We're a platform that allows… https://t.co/PSmSKRkJSq
— Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) November 30, 2023
However, ad revenue plummeted, with brands like Disney pulling back after Grok's antisemitic posts on 8 July 2025, including 'MechaHitler' references. X's valuation dropped to £26.4 billion ($35 billion) post-xAI merger.
MechaHitler was f'n hilarious, I don't care what anybody says. pic.twitter.com/2eziFwPngI
— Nuclear Coyote (@NuclearYote4570) July 9, 2025
X posts reflected shock: @Reuters noted: 'Yaccarino said she would step down', while @Forbes highlighted Grok's controversy.
Examine Her Departure
Yaccarino didn't specify why she resigned, though sources claim her exit was planned for over a week, unrelated to Grok's meltdown.
An insider said: 'She got advertisers back and made it profitable', suggesting she felt her mission was complete.
Critics argue her tenure struggled against Musk's unpredictability, with ad revenue at half 2021 levels.
Her push for features like Community Notes and X Money aimed to create an 'everything app', but progress was limited.
Musk's brief reply, 'Thank you for your contributions', hinted at no immediate successor.
Thank you for your contributions
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 9, 2025
Demand Industry Reflection
Yaccarino's exit from X highlights the challenges of leading under a polarising figure like Musk.
Her advertising expertise restored some stability, but persistent controversies underscore the need for robust content moderation and advertiser trust.
The industry must strike a balance between free speech and brand safety, ensuring platforms like X remain viable.
