In Conversation with Richard Santoro, VP, Government & Corporate Affairs

For Rich, helping Pinterest navigate a changing world and build trust with people and communities starts with shared purpose. From advancing youth online safety to building partnerships with meaningful impact, his team connects Pinterest’s mission to the world beyond our platform.

In this conversation, Rich shares what drew him to Pinterest, how his experience in the United States Marine Corps shapes his leadership and his advice for veterans creating their next career chapter.

Hi Rich! You joined Pinterest in September 2024; what initially drew you to the team, and what has stood out to you most since joining?
I genuinely believe that people can achieve extraordinary results when united by a shared purpose. I was drawn to the team not just because of their work to positively impact people’s lives and shape a better future on a global scale, but how they approached the mission with ambition, compassion, integrity, and purpose. I was excited to propel that purpose into progress, bring people together, solve difficult problems, and nurture a team culture where everyone feels connected, not only to the work, but to why it matters.

Also the opportunity to work for Wanji, our Chief Legal & Business Affairs Officer, again was a big part of the decision. I have enormous respect for the way she leads with vision, conviction, and the ability to bring out the best in people. She sets a high bar and cultivates the trust and confidence to rise to it. The chance to learn from and build alongside a leader I deeply admire was something I simply could not pass up.

What stood out most was this team cares deeply about helping one another succeed, stepping up for each other, and having a meaningful impact. From my very first day, I was struck by the team’s energy and determination to drive valuable outcomes for Pinterest.  Within my first two days, they already scheduled one-on-one conversations and a full team meeting! The meetings weren't a formality, they were genuinely eager to connect, align, and move forward together.

Government & Corporate Affairs: Mission and Impact

You lead our Government & Corporate Affairs organization. What is the team’s mission, and how does your work support Pinterest’s business, our users, and the communities we’re part of?

We are Pinterest’s bridge to the world beyond our platform, ensuring our mission and values show up not only in what people experience online, but also in the communities and institutions around us. Our role is to help Pinterest navigate a changing world by addressing issues that matter to our business, Pinterest users, and society. The heart of our work is building trusted relationships with governments, civil society, community organizations, and other stakeholders to forge an external environment where Pinterest thrives. We transform complex public policy, social, and environmental developments into outcomes that propel our growth and strengthen the trust people place in Pinterest. From supporting emotional well-being and online safety initiatives to leading programs in communities and caring for the planet, we ensure that Pinterest’s growth is supported by meaningful, measurable impact.

What’s one program, partnership, or initiative your team has worked on that you feel especially proud of, and how does it reflect the impact Government & Corporate Affairs has at Pinterest?

By bringing together the full range of expertise and capabilities across the team, we have been able to collectively amplify our contributions to Pinterest. Our reach and impact is growing around the world, from shaping thoughtful online-safety legislation, to launching new strategic alliances with youth mental-health organizations, to unlocking new business opportunities through partnerships with impact-focused organizations.

What makes this work especially meaningful is that it is not just about expanding our influence, it is about using that influence responsibly. When we combine our expertise, relationships, and shared commitment to Pinterest’s mission, we protect and promote the platform, support our business partners, and deliver real value for the people and communities we serve.

How would you describe Pinterest’s commitment to youth online safety? 

Youth safety and wellbeing is in Pinterest’s DNA. It is embedded in how we build, lead, and operate to deliver a safer positive experience for young people. That is what makes Pinterest and our operating model intentionally and fundamentally different. This commitment is visible in the everyday work happening across our team and throughout the organization to proactively identify emerging risks, enhance protections, listen to young people, and continuously improve outcomes. Our responsibility also extends beyond our platform. We engage with policymakers, researchers, experts, and youth organizations to share insights, support evidence-based policy, and elevate standards across the broader digital ecosystem. 

Leadership and Veteran Experience

Earlier in your career, you served in the United States Marine Corps. What lessons from that experience have shaped your leadership style, and how do they show up in your role today?

Serving in the Marine Corps instilled a core leadership philosophy of "we before me" which translated into an unwavering commitment to accomplishing the mission, while ensuring that those in your care are prepared, supported, and safe.

In an infantry platoon, those were not abstract ideas. They were tested every day. Every decision carried weight, every action had real consequences. We operated under relentless physical and mental pressure, at a demanding pace, and learned to perform in harsh environments where conditions could change in an instant. Fast-roping out of helicopters, repelling in mountain terrain, and conducting live-fire exercises was undeniably intense, but the most valuable lesson learned was personal responsibility. It demanded composure, readiness, resilience, and the understanding that your team depends on you. I realized that leadership is not a title or a theory, but a set of values put into practice every day by leading from the front, taking responsibility, and acting with courage and integrity.

My time in the Marines also reinforced that trust and respect are built through consistent purposeful action. These experiences honed traits, such as perseverance, adaptability, teamwork, crisis navigation, and discipline that translate into my current role.  

What advice would you give to fellow veterans who are thinking about how their military experience can translate into a new role or career path?

Military experience carries immense value, but successfully transitioning to a civilian career relies on translating those experiences into terms that resonate outside the military. The core capabilities forged in service such as resilience, adaptability, teamwork, crisis navigation, sound judgment under pressure, and dependability are the exact qualities civilian organizations seek. Veterans excel at maintaining focus through changing conditions, aligning teams behind common goals, and delivering results when expectations are high.

To convey your impact effectively, focus on highlighting team leadership, complex challenges solved, strategic decisions made, and the tangible outcomes achieved. 

Finally, lean on your fellow veterans just as you relied on one another in uniform. Expand your professional network by connecting with veterans who have transitioned into civilian careers. Ask questions, exchange insights, and learn from their journeys. In my experience, veterans genuinely want to see one another succeed and are eager to offer guidance, so never hesitate to reach out and build those meaningful connections!

Rich’s commitment to Pinterest’s mission and the communities we serve came through in every part of our conversation. From his experience in the military to his advice for veterans navigating their next chapter, he shared a leadership approach grounded in purpose, care and supporting the people around him.

Ready to work with leaders like Rich and help shape what comes next? Explore opportunities at Pinterest.