Christopher Hughes is an American entrepreneur and author best known for his role as a co-founder and spokesperson of Facebook. He played a key role in the social networking site's early development and growth, serving in this capacity until 2007. Following his time at Facebook, Hughes transitioned to the world of journalism and publishing, taking the helm as publisher and editor-in-chief of The New Republic magazine. His tenure at the publication lasted from 2012 to 2016.
November 26, 1983: Chris Hughes was born
Chris Hughes was born on November 26, 1983.
2004: Hughes meets Zuckerberg and travels to Palo Alto
During their summer break in 2004, Hughes and Zuckerberg traveled to Palo Alto, California, where Zuckerberg stayed while Hughes returned to Harvard.
2006: Hughes rejoins Zuckerberg at Facebook
After graduating from Harvard in 2006, Hughes relocated to Palo Alto and rejoined Zuckerberg at Facebook.
2007: Hughes departs from Facebook
Chris Hughes left Facebook in 2007.
2007: Hughes leaves Facebook
In 2007, Chris Hughes departed from his role at Facebook.
2008: Hughes volunteers for Obama campaign
After leaving Facebook, Hughes volunteered for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
March 2009: Hughes becomes Entrepreneur in Residence at General Catalyst
In March 2009, Chris Hughes took on the role of Entrepreneur in Residence at General Catalyst, a venture-capital firm.
July 2010: Hughes founds Jumo and joins UNAIDS commission
In July 2010, Hughes founded Jumo, a non-profit social network, and was appointed to a UNAIDS "High Level Commission."
2010: Hughes portrayed in "The Social Network"
Chris Hughes was portrayed by actor Patrick Mapel in the 2010 film "The Social Network."
January 2011: Hughes and Eldridge announce engagement
Hughes and Eldridge announced their engagement in January 2011.
March 2012: Hughes acquires majority stake in The New Republic
Chris Hughes purchased a majority stake in The New Republic magazine in March 2012.
June 30, 2012: Hughes marries Sean Eldridge
Hughes and Eldridge married on June 30, 2012.
2012: Facebook's IPO makes Hughes $500 million
When Facebook went public in 2012, Hughes earned $500 million.
2012: Hughes becomes publisher and editor-in-chief of The New Republic
Chris Hughes became the publisher and editor-in-chief of The New Republic in 2012.
December 2014: Turmoil at The New Republic under Hughes' leadership
In December 2014, The New Republic experienced significant staff departures and the cancellation of an issue following a change in direction under Hughes' ownership.
2014: Eldridge's unsuccessful congressional bid
In 2014, Sean Eldridge, Hughes's partner, unsuccessfully ran for Congress.
January 11, 2016: Hughes puts The New Republic up for sale
On January 11, 2016, Hughes announced his intention to sell The New Republic.
February 26, 2016: Hughes sells The New Republic
Hughes sold The New Republic to Win McCormack on February 26, 2016.
2016: Hughes departs from The New Republic
Chris Hughes ended his tenure at The New Republic in 2016.
2016: Hughes endorses Hillary Clinton
Chris Hughes endorsed Hillary Clinton for the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
2016: Hughes co-founds Economic Security Project and publishes book
In 2016, Chris Hughes co-founded the Economic Security Project (ESP).
2016: Hughes co-founds Economic Security Project
In 2016, Chris Hughes co-founded the Economic Security Project.
2018: Hughes publishes "Fair Shot"
Chris Hughes published "Fair Shot: Rethinking Inequality and How We Earn" in 2018.
2018: Hughes publishes "Fair Shot: Rethinking Inequality and How We Earn"
Chris Hughes published his book, "Fair Shot: Rethinking Inequality and How We Earn," in 2018.
May 2019: Hughes calls for Facebook breakup and criticizes Libra
In May 2019, Hughes advocated for the breakup of Facebook and criticized the launch of Libra.
February 2020: Hughes pursues further education in Economics and Business Ethics
In February 2020, Chris Hughes was reported to be pursuing a Master of Arts in Economics from The New School and a Doctor of Philosophy in business ethics and legal studies at the University of Pennsylvania.