Former BAYC Creative Director Jeff Nicholas Joins Meta’s Reality Labs

• Jeff Nicholas, the former BAYC creative director, joins Meta as an executive mixed reality producer for entertainment experiences.

Jeff Nicholas, the former creative director for Yuga Labs’ Bored Ape Yacht Club, is set to join Meta’s Reality Labs as an executive producer, where he will focus on mixed reality entertainment experiences.

Nicholas announced the move on X and LinkedIn, stating that he will begin his new position in September.

Some bittersweet news today…

I’m beyond excited to announce that I am joining the team at Meta Reality Labs as "Executive Mixed Reality Producer for Entertainment Experiences" in September.

But bittersweet because, well, that means today is my last day with the incredible team… pic.twitter.com/wLEVFUisIT

— jeff (@_jeffnicholas_) August 16, 2024

He also added that he would be working specifically on virtual reality products:

“And I’m equally excited to dive back into VR with the amazing team at Meta Reality Labs as we explore the future of entertainment experiences.”

Big Tech

Judging by Nicholas’ LinkedIn page, this will be his first tour with a big tech company — Meta is the seventh most valuable company in the world by market cap as of Aug. 17.

As to what his exact duties will be at the company formerly known as Facebook, the only thing certain at this point is that he will be an executive producer in the company’s Reality Labs division.

Meta “reposted” the job opening in the middle of August and, according to LinkedIn, there were 53 applicants who used the platform to apply. Based on the posting for the job, “candidates must be comfortable wearing multiple hats.”

The primary functions for the role are “as a key creative executive for the team responsible for leading complex development projects” and “providing guidance on our entire slate of social and interactive music, comedy, sports, and film/TV related content.”

Apes Forever

While this could represent a potential change to Reality Labs’ vision for engaging audiences, it also means a seminal figure in the NFT world is moving on from the tight-knit community to the world of big tech.

That being said, Nicholas also assured well-wishers and followers on social media that he would remain active in the BAYC community:

“As for me personally, I’m not going anywhere. I minted Apes, I’m an Ape till I die, and I’m looking forward to continuing to be part of the community as this club, brand and legacy unfold in the days, months and years to come.”