Meta Names UFC's Dana White to Board of Directors
Meta's board of directors has appointed UFC President and CEO Dana White alongside John Elkann and Charlie Songhurst as new members. White, recognized for transforming UFC into a global sports powerhouse, marks his first corporate board position.
"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 artificial intelligence (AI) are the future," White stated. He expressed enthusiasm about helping develop Meta's brands and learning about the business from within.
Dana White speaking into microphone
The appointment coincides with Meta's promotion of Joel Kaplan to president of global affairs. Kaplan, who previously served in the George W. Bush administration, has strong Republican ties, as does White, who is known for his support of President-elect Trump and speaking at Republican National Conventions.
Under White's leadership, UFC has achieved remarkable success, producing over 40 annual live events worldwide and reaching more than 975 million households across 170 countries. His gaming industry connections are notable, particularly in Las Vegas, where he's known for making substantial casino wagers, though many establishments have barred him from betting.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, appears to be strategically positioning itself with these appointments, potentially signaling a shift in its political alignment and corporate direction.
The addition of White, along with Kaplan's promotion, suggests Meta's interest in strengthening ties with the incoming Trump administration while addressing perceptions of political bias.