After three and a half years in Meta (previously known as Facebook) and Novi, I decided to leave the company. My last day will be in mid February. Getting Libra/Diem and Calibra/Novi off the ground was a once in lifetime experience: exhilarating, fascinating, challenging, at times frustrating. It stretched me and taught me new stuff every day. I am forever thankful to my friend and boss David Marcus for pulling me in. I am also incredibly appreciative of the choice Meta and its top leadership made to back such an ambitious project despite the hostile environment it has been operating in. Few other companies, if any, would have had the courage and conviction to do so. I leave without being able to say to myself “mission accomplished”. We created amazing tech, a state of the art digital wallet, world class risk, compliance and care capabilities, brought them to life through the launch of the Novi wallet in beta mode, including on WhatsApp, and certainly made many people think and talk about the excluding nature of our financial system and the underlying favoritism. But the goal of making a real difference in the lives of 2 billion unbanked people is still to be reached. It remains a mission I care deeply about. I know the Novi team feels the same way. I am proudest of the teams I witnessed exceptional leaders build from scratch: Laura M., Sivanne Goldfarb, Mandeep Walia, Ori Modai, Dror Oren, Meron Colbeci and many others. I miss you all already and cherish the many moments we shared. I wish success to Stephane Kasriel, Pearl Del Rosario and the rest of the Novi leadership team, I have no doubt you will excel in all you do. As for what’s next for me - I don’t know yet. The vines in the vineyard are growing slowly, the winery will soon start being built, but both will take time to bear fruit. More adventures may come along the way.
David Marcus
2y
Tomer — thank you for being foolish enough to join me as a wingman on this incredible journey of ours. This adventure has brought us closer than ever and for that alone, it was all worth it! Of course for many other reasons too, including building a kickass team together. Incredibly grateful for everything.
Is it ok to still be in denial? 😅 Will miss you a lot Tomer. Thanks for having me on this incredible ride, working together has been a real highlight for me, I have learned so much and it was worth every [fulfilling/challenging/fun/frustrating/funny…] moment. Like everyone else, count me in for winery visits 🙂
Guru Bhat
2y
Tomer - I have always looked up to you as one of the best leaders I have had the privilege of learning from, and I am eternally grateful to you for being a mentor and coach when I needed it the most. As many have noted in their comments, you created many leaders through your work and your impact is immeasurable. All the very best to you and your family in all the adventures that lie ahead. Attaching a small memory from my trip to Tel Aviv in March 2019 when you made time in your busy schedule to have breakfast with me 🙏
Hey Tomer Barel. It was nothing but my great luck that I got to work with a truly amazing, inspiring and genuine leader like you. I learnt so much from you and will cherish all the times we worked together. My best wishes for the next chapter(s)…and let me know when you’re ready to have visitors taste your wine 🍷😊!
Godspeed in the transition Tomer Barel. It was a real honor working in the trenches with you and other colleagues.
Dror Oren
2y
Tomer, it was the experience of a lifetime. I’m grateful for your support and leadership. You’ve always been there for me, and I’m full of appreciation to how you led us by example through the roller coaster that is Novi. I can’t wait to cross paths again soon (and visit the vineyard :))
I debated with myself, should I write or not... But here goes: Though our paths have parted some years ago, you remain an inspiration to this day. There wasn't a month gone by in the past three or so years when I haven't asked myself if my decision not to follow you into Facebook was the right one. And honestly, the prospect of working with you again was the only "pro" in this internal debate. I wish you lots of good times in whatever comes next. Now, I am not a huge wine expert or fan, but after this note I will take it personally if I never get an invitation for a tasting. Just saying 🙂. Enjoy!
Ori Modai
2y
Tomer, i feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work closely with you, i have learned a lot from you. Thank you for being such a remarkable and insipiring leader through this crazy journey, and thank you for the support you have provided to us during difficult covid times. Looking forward to cross paths again in the future.
Former President and CEO at PayPal
2yI look forward to hearing about your next chapter! Happy new year Tomer. I hope it is one full of success, happiness and good health for you and your wonderful family. I hope we stay in touch…