Meta Appoints UFC President Dana White to Its Board of Directors

Meta has appointed three new members to its board of directors: UFC President Dana White, European investment company Exor CEO John Elkann, and tech investor Charlie Songhurst. This change, announced on January 6, 2025, is aimed at strengthening Meta’s leadership as the company prepares to tackle exciting new opportunities in AI, wearables, and the future of human connection.

Who Are the New Board Members?

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, expressed excitement about the new additions, stating that White, Elkann, and Songhurst will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. The goal is to leverage their expertise to help Meta innovate in the tech world.

Dana White – UFC President & CEO

Dana White became the CEO of UFC in 2023 after UFC merged with WWE to create TKO Group Holdings. He is responsible for shaping UFC’s global strategy and managing its major live events. White’s appointment to Meta’s board is significant, as he has deep experience in managing a global business. Learn more about Dana White’s work with UFC here.

John Elkann – Exor CEO

John Elkann, CEO of Exor, brings a rich background in managing high-profile investments, including in Ferrari, Stellantis, and Philips. Elkann’s deep corporate management expertise will be valuable as Meta looks to expand its portfolio and future-proof its technology. Read more about John Elkann’s leadership at Exor.

Charlie Songhurst – Tech Investor & Entrepreneur

Charlie Songhurst joins Meta after advising the company on AI through its product advisory council. He brings with him years of experience in strategic investments, especially from his role at Microsoft where he led key acquisitions such as Yahoo and Skype. Explore Charlie Songhurst’s career.

Meta’s Board Expansion

With these new appointments, Meta now has 13 board members. Notable names on the board include Marc Andreessen of Andreessen Horowitz, Tony Xu, CEO of DoorDash, and Drew Houston, CEO of Dropbox. Zuckerberg continues as the Chairman of the Board, and maintains majority control through Meta’s dual-class stock system.

Zuckerberg and White’s Close Relationship

The inclusion of Dana White on Meta’s board is especially intriguing because of his long-time friendship with Mark Zuckerberg. The two have been seen together on social media, and White has consulted Zuckerberg about integrating AI into UFC’s ranking systems. This close connection could lead to fruitful collaborations between Meta and UFC.

Dana White’s Political Connections

Although Dana White has publicly distanced himself from politics recently, he was an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump during his presidential campaigns. White’s relationship with Trump has drawn attention, especially since Zuckerberg has been trying to build ties with the incoming president. Read more about Dana White’s political history.

Conclusion

Meta’s strategic move to appoint Dana White, John Elkann, and Charlie Songhurst to its board is a clear indication of its commitment to growing in the realms of AI, wearables, and human connection. These additions will help Meta navigate the exciting opportunities ahead in the tech world.