Meta has recently announced the appointment of three new members to its board of directors, further diversifying its leadership team. Dana White, the president and CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship, has been selected to join the board. White, known for his close ties to former President Donald Trump, brings a wealth of experience in the sports industry.
In addition to White, auto tycoon John Elkann and tech investor Charlie Songhurst have also been added to Meta's board. Elkann, the CEO of Exor and chairman of Stellantis and Ferrari, offers extensive experience in running large global businesses. Songhurst, who previously worked at Microsoft and has been advising Meta on artificial intelligence, brings valuable tech expertise to the board.
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, expressed his admiration for White's entrepreneurial skills and the success of UFC under his leadership. White's appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ties with Trump, who has a longstanding relationship with both White and the UFC.
Trump, a vocal supporter of UFC and a frequent attendee of major fights, has a history of collaboration with White dating back to 2001. The two have appeared together at various UFC events, with White even speaking at Republican conventions and Trump's election victory party.
Elkann's appointment brings an international perspective to Meta's board, given his experience in leading global businesses. Songhurst's background in tech and artificial intelligence further enhances the board's expertise in key areas of innovation.
Zuckerberg highlighted White's role in building UFC into a highly successful sports enterprise and praised his ability to create a beloved brand. The addition of these new board members reflects Meta's commitment to diversity and expertise in driving the company's growth and innovation.