Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has appointed three new members to its board of directors.
Among the appointees are Dana White, president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC); John Elkann, CEO of Exor; and Charlie Songhurst, a seasoned technology investor.
The appointments, announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, will help the company enhance its growth, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and social media innovation. The additions bring the total number of board members to 13.
Speaking on the new role, Dana White, widely recognised for his leadership of the UFC, stated, “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 more about this business from the inside. There is nothing I love more than building brands, and I look forward to helping take Meta to the next level.”
Under White’s leadership, the UFC has grown into a global sports phenomenon, broadcasting to millions in over 170 countries.
John Elkann, head of the investment company Exor, and an innovator with experience in the automotive and media industries, also joins the board.
Elkann, who oversees brands such as Ferrari and Stellantis, said he looks forward to contributing his global perspective to Meta’s mission of driving innovation and technological progress.
“I am honoured to be able to contribute to the future of one of the most significant companies of the 21st century,” said John Elkann, CEO of Exor. “I look forward to bringing my global experience and long-term perspective to the board as Meta continues to shape and push the next frontiers of innovation and technology.”
Charlie Songhurst, who previously led corporate strategy at Microsoft, brings his expertise in enterprise software, artificial intelligence, and investment in emerging technologies to the board.
With a portfolio of over 500 startup investments worldwide, Songhurst emphasised his enthusiasm for scaling new products and expanding Meta’s AI capabilities.
“As part of Meta’s advisory group, I’ve seen firsthand the opportunities to scale new products and grow AI and enterprise capabilities, and I’m honoured to be asked to join the board to further this work,” said Charlie Songhurst.
Zuckerberg described the trio as highly important in helping Meta tackle upcoming challenges and take up new opportunities. “We have massive opportunities ahead in AI, wearables, and the future of social media, and our board will help us achieve our vision,” he said.
The appointments align with the company’s goal to drive tech development, with recent innovations, including the release of an open-source AI system and innovations in wearable devices such as VR headsets and smart glasses.
Meta will leverage the unique skills and insights of its board members to bolster its strategy and growth.
