Meta has announced the election of Dana White, John Elkann, and Charlie Songhurst to the company’s board of directors.
“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.” Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO, Meta, said.
White, who serves as President and CEO of UFC®, is credited with transforming the mixed martial arts organization into a global sports powerhouse. Under White’s leadership, UFC produces over 40 live events annually and broadcasts to more than 975 million households in over 170 countries. Recently named one of the most influential figures in sports by Sports Illustrated (2023) and Sports Business Journal (2024), White’s influence in the sports industry is undeniable, Meta announced through a blog post.
“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.” White added.
John Elkann is the CEO of Exor, a major European investment company controlled by the Agnelli family. He also holds executive positions at Ferrari and Stellantis. Elkann’s career includes leading the turnaround of Fiat and orchestrating the mergers that formed FCA and Stellantis. In addition to his role at Exor, he founded Lingotto, an investment management company, and is involved in global venture investments and tech initiatives. Elkann is also the chair of the Agnelli Foundation and a board member of MoMA, Meta claimed.
“I am honored to be able to contribute to the future of one of the most significant companies of the 21st century. 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.” Elkann added.
Charlie Songhurst, a technology investor with a focus on enterprise SaaS, AI, and deep tech, joins Meta’s board after an extensive career at Microsoft, where he was instrumental in the Yahoo and Skype acquisitions. He currently invests in over 500 startups globally. Songhurst holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Oxford University.
“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 honored to be asked to join the board to further this work,” Songhurst commented.
Meta’s board now includes a diverse group of leaders, with current members such as Mark Zuckerberg, Peggy Alford, Marc Andreessen, and Drew Houston, among others. The addition of White, Elkann, and Songhurst strengthens the board’s expertise in sports, investment, and technology, further supporting Meta’s growth and innovation strategies.