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Dana White Joins Meta’s Board of Directors
On Monday, Meta announced that Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), will become a member of its board of directors. This marks a significant shift in White’s engagement with the corporate world, as he has stated that prior to receiving this offer, he had no interest in joining any corporate boards.
“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,” White expressed in a statement. He conveyed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating his eagerness to collaborate with the team and gain insights into the inner workings of the company. White emphasized his passion for brand development and expressed a commitment to advancing Meta’s ambitions.
White’s ties to Donald Trump are noteworthy, as he has been an ally of the former president since the early 2000s. Their relationship has been well documented, with numerous sightings of the pair together at various events. Trump has been a frequent attendee at UFC events over the years, and White has taken the stage at several Republican conventions, including Trump’s victory celebration.
The landscape of Meta’s leadership appears to be undergoing a transformation. Earlier this month, Nick Clegg, a former leader of the UK’s Liberal Democrats and previously Meta’s president of global affairs, announced his departure. Accompanying this change, Joel Kaplan, who has held the position of vice president of global public policy since 2011 and has strong affiliations with the Republican Party, is set to take over Clegg’s role, according to a report by Business Insider.
In addition to White’s appointment, Meta revealed that its board will also include John Elkann, CEO of Exor, a prominent European investment firm, and tech investor Charlie Songhurst. This diversification of leadership aims to bring in varied expertise as Meta navigates future challenges and opportunities.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, stated, “Dana, John, and Charlie 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.”
Requests for comments from representatives of Meta, the UFC, and Trump’s transition team were not immediately addressed.
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