Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has made notable additions to its board of directors. The new appointees include Dana White, President and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC); John Elkann, CEO of Exor; and Charlie Songhurst, a tech investor and AI advisor. These appointments bring Meta’s board membership to 13.
In a Facebook post, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg praised White’s entrepreneurial spirit. “Dana is the President and CEO of UFC, and he has built it into one of the most valuable, fastest growing, and most popular sports enterprises in the world. I’ve admired him as an entrepreneur and his ability to build such a beloved brand,” Zuckerberg shared.
White, known for transforming the UFC into a global sports powerhouse, has a personal connection with Zuckerberg through their mutual love of mixed martial arts (MMA). White’s appointment also reflects Meta’s strategic alignment with influential figures and industries, including ties to the Trump administration. Notably, Meta contributed $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund.
Joining White are John Elkann, head of Exor—a holding company with stakes in brands like Jeep and Ferrari—and Charlie Songhurst, a former Microsoft executive who has been advising Meta on artificial intelligence. Zuckerberg highlighted their potential impact, stating, “We have massive opportunities ahead in AI, wearables, and the future of social media, and our board will help us achieve our vision.”
Meta’s recent focus on AI and wearable technology signals its commitment to innovation. The company recently launched an open-source generative AI system, encouraging developers to create freely. Additionally, Meta’s wearable devices, like gaming headsets and camera-equipped sunglasses, showcase its dedication to cutting-edge tech.
