Kunal Shah, the founder of Indian fintech platform CRED, has been appointed as the new chief executive of WhatsApp, one of the world’s largest messaging apps with over two billion users.

Will Cathcart, who led WhatsApp for nearly seven years, announced his departure on Monday, June 22. The move marks a significant leadership shift at Meta Platforms’ flagship messaging service as the company deepens its focus on the Indian market.

Shah built CRED into one of India’s most recognized fintech brands. Before founding CRED in 2018, he created FreeCharge, a digital payments platform that Axis Bank acquired in 2015 for an undisclosed amount. His appointment signals Meta’s confidence in his ability to lead a platform that handles roughly four billion messages daily.

The announcement comes alongside Meta’s $900 million investment in CRED, giving the social media giant an estimated 20% stake. The funding values CRED at approximately $4.5 billion on a post-money basis, making it one of India’s most valuable fintech startups.

Shah will oversee WhatsApp’s operations globally, including product development, partnerships, and strategy. His leadership comes at a critical time as messaging platforms compete for dominance in payments, AI features, and enterprise communication tools.

Industry analysts view the appointment as Meta’s bet on expanding WhatsApp’s reach in Asia, where messaging apps serve as primary social and financial platforms. Shah’s experience scaling fintech products in emerging markets positions him to drive WhatsApp’s next growth phase beyond pure messaging.

The transition is expected to be completed over coming weeks, with Cathcart remaining to ensure a smooth handover.