Announced on Monday, White — alongside Exor CEO John Elkann and technology investor Charlie Songhurst — has been appointed to Meta’s board of directors. One of the leading information technology companies in the U.S., Meta is the owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads, among other platforms.
“Dana, John, and Charlie bring valuable expertise and insights that will aid us in navigating the vast opportunities on the horizon with AI, wearables, and the evolution of human connection,” stated Zuckerberg, Meta’s founder and CEO.
For years, White has been at the helm of the UFC, whether it was under the ownership of Zuffa or the current TKO Group Holdings. In a press release, he expressed his excitement for this new venture.
“I’ve never considered joining a board of directors until the opportunity to join Meta’s board arose. I strongly believe that social media and AI are the way forward,” White remarked. “I am thrilled to be part of this exceptional team and gain insights into this business from the inside. Brand-building is my passion, and I am eager to contribute to taking Meta to new heights.
Zuckerberg has a fondness for MMA and there were discussions about White arranging an MMA bout between the Meta CEO and Tesla founder Elon Musk at one point. While that idea was short-lived, it is known that Zuckerberg regularly practices jiu-jitsu and has attended numerous UFC events.
Coincidentally, White recently suggested utilizing AI for UFC rankings after expressing dissatisfaction with the decision-making process of the promotion’s current, media-driven panel.