Bluesky CEO Jay Graber Steps Down From Leadership Role

Jay Graber is stepping down as CEO of Bluesky, a prominent social media platform. This announcement was shared exclusively with El-Balad. Venture capitalist Toni Schneider will serve as the interim CEO while the search for a permanent replacement begins.

Transition Leadership at Bluesky

Graber, who has been with Bluesky since 2019, plans to focus on innovation after this leadership shift. In her statement, she mentioned, “As Bluesky matures, the company needs a seasoned operator focused on scaling and execution.” Her experience was pivotal as she led Bluesky from a Twitter incubator to an independent entity, officially becoming its first CEO in 2021.

During her tenure, Graber oversaw significant growth and challenges as Bluesky emerged as a viable alternative to X, formerly known as Twitter. Schneider, the interim CEO, aims to enhance Bluesky’s role in establishing user-owned networks.

Toni Schneider’s Background

Schneider is no stranger to innovative business practices. Previously, he was the CEO of Automattic, the parent company of WordPress, from 2006 to 2014 and again in 2024. He has been involved with Bluesky as an adviser and emphasizes his commitment to scaling the platform. In a blog post, Schneider described his role as pivotal for Bluesky’s next growth phase.

Future Roles and Innovations

This transition does not mark the end of Graber’s involvement with Bluesky. She will take on the newly created position of Chief Innovation Officer, focusing on the technological advancements of the platform. Graber’s background as a software engineer has fueled her passion for the technical aspects of Bluesky.

The Board’s Role in New Leadership

A critical component of this transition is the appointment of Bluesky’s next permanent CEO by its board of directors. Current members include Jeremie Miller, Kinjal Shah, Mike Masnick, and Graber herself. Although Jack Dorsey, former Twitter founder, was initially part of the board, he resigned in 2024. This change allows Graber to influence the selection of her successor.

Bluesky’s Growth and Future Challenges

Bluesky has experienced impressive growth, increasing from 25 million users to over 40 million in 2025. This surge has partly stemmed from users seeking alternatives to X following its ideological shift under Elon Musk’s leadership. However, Bluesky is still regarded as a niche social media platform. In contrast, Meta’s Threads boasts around 400 million users, significantly outpacing Bluesky.

As Bluesky seeks to establish itself as a digital commons, it faces the challenge of convincing more users and institutions to embrace its unique offerings. Despite criticisms regarding its perceived ideologies, the platform remains committed to its original mission.

• Stepping Down: Jay Graber resigns as CEO of Bluesky.
• Interim CEO: Toni Schneider takes over leadership.
• Graber’s New Role: Chief Innovation Officer focused on technology.
• Board Members: Includes Jeremie Miller, Kinjal Shah, Mike Masnick, and Jay Graber.
• User Growth: Bluesky increased from 25 million to over 40 million users in 2025.