Meta Names UFC CEO and Trump Ally Dana White to Board of Directors

Jan 6, 2025, 10:07 PM

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has elected UFC President and CEO Dana White to its Board of Directors. The appointment, announced on Monday, brings one of the media industry's most influential executives and a high-profile supporter of President-elect Donald Trump to Meta's board. White expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I’ve never been interested in joining a board of directors until I got the offer to join Meta’s board. I am a huge believer that social media and AI are the future. I am very excited to join this incredible team and to learn as much as I can." Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg welcomed White, saying, "Dana will add a depth of expertise and perspective that will help us tackle the massive opportunities ahead with AI, wearables, and the future of human connection." The move comes weeks before Trump takes office and may signal Meta's efforts to strengthen ties with the incoming administration. Additionally, Meta elected John Elkann, CEO of Exor and executive chairman of Ferrari, and technology investor Charlie Songhurst to its board, expanding it to 13 members.