If he’s good enough for President Obama, he’s good enough for Facebook.
At least that appears to be the thought behind Facebook’s cunning plan to hire former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs for a senior PR role.
Yes, Facebook is reportedly in talks with Gibbs before an initial public offering planned for early 2012, people briefed on the negotiations said.
However, the sources emphasized that negotations are in preliminary phases and still may yet collapse.
Gibbs, who left the White House in February after two years on the job, planned to work on President Obama’s re-election campaign before Facebook targeted him.
According to those close to the situation, Facebook is pressing Gibbs to accept the job ASAP.
Gibbs – who is currently considering the job offer – has reportedly turned to several White House colleagues for advice on whether or not he should take the job, including David Axelrod, President Obama’s former senior adviser.
As Facebook rapidly grows, new pressure is being exerted on the popular social networking site to address privacy and security concerns, as well as how it communicates with the public about its products and policies.
Clearly, Facebook is hoping Gibbs can help improve Facebook’s image as it struggles with the above-mentioned issues.
The Palo Alto-based job could be worth millions of dollars, with rumors indicating Gibbs would receive a cash salary plus shares ahead of the initial offering.
Facebook is currently valued as high as $60 billion.
(Via NY Times)
