Facebook is losing two of its important executives because of its decision to refocus its platform around encryption and privacy.

WhatsApp leader, Chris Daniels, and Facebook’s Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, are both leaving the company. They have both been with Facebook for over eight years. Cox is one of Facebook’s earliest employees.

This is happening barely a week after Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company was shifting focus to encryption and privacy. Shares of Facebook have since faced a 2% decline after trading hours on Thursday, 14th March 2019.

In a memo to employees, Zuckerberg said,

“Embarking on this new vision represents the start of a new chapter for us. As part of this, I’m sad to share the news that Chris Cox has decided to leave the company. At the same time, as we embark on this new chapter, Chris Daniels has also decided to leave the company.

“While it is sad to lose such great people, this also creates opportunities for more great leaders who are energised about the path ahead to take on new and bigger roles.”

Zuckerberg said he has no plans to replace his veteran employee and Facebook’s now-former CPO, Charles Cox. However, WhatsApp’s Chris Daniels will be replaced by Will Cathcart, another long-time employee of Facebook.

Then, Fidji Simo, who has worked on Facebook’s video strategy, will now oversee WhatsApp, but won’t have the same title as Cox.

The recent departure of executives is coming amid a two-year period in which Facebook has faced criticism for its data privacy practices.