Dana White Joins Meta’s Board in Key Appointment Amid Shifts in Company Leadership

Meta has expanded its board of directors with the appointment of Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), alongside two other notable figures, Charlie Songhurst, a tech investor, and John Elkann, CEO of Exor. The announcement was made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Monday, signalling the company’s focus on opportunities in artificial intelligence, wearables, and the future of social media.

White’s appointment stands out not only due to his leadership in the UFC but also because of his close ties to President-elect Donald Trump. White was an outspoken supporter of Trump during the 2024 campaign, using his platform to rally support and making key appearances with Trump, including at the Republican National Convention and a UFC match. Despite his previous involvement in politics, White stated in November that he wanted to distance himself from political matters.

Meta’s board now includes 13 members, with Zuckerberg continuing as its leader. The additions of White, Songhurst, and Elkann come at a time when Meta seems to be shifting toward a more conservative direction. White’s involvement aligns with this shift, especially as Zuckerberg seeks to strengthen his relationship with the incoming Trump administration. White, an advocate of combat sports and a friend of Zuckerberg, also shares an interest in the world of competitive fighting, which has been a personal passion for Zuckerberg.

Meta has faced increasing scrutiny over its content moderation policies in recent years, particularly regarding election-related issues. Zuckerberg’s willingness to meet with Trump post-election and the company’s donations to Trump’s inaugural fund further signal a warming relationship with the political right. Additionally, the company has loosened some content restrictions, allowing more leeway for political discourse, including claims about the 2020 election, which resonated with conservative voices.

Zuckerberg’s decision to take a more hands-on role in tech policy and his outreach to the Trump administration appears to be part of a broader strategy to align Meta with the incoming government. The recent appointments to the board, including White, are seen as part of this evolving vision for the future of the tech giant.