Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Meta, says the election of three new members to the tech company’s board of directors marks a significant step in its strategy to harness artificial intelligence (AI) and enhance its technological capabilities.
Meta Platforms Inc. announced on Monday the election of three new members to its board of directors—Dana White, John Elkann, and Charlie Songhurst.

Zuckerberg emphasises the importance of these appointments, stating in a statement that “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.”
Dana White, President and CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship, expresses his enthusiasm about joining Meta’s board, saying, “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 aims to leverage his experience in building brands to help elevate Meta’s position in the tech landscape.

John Elkann, CEO of Exor and Executive Chair of Ferrari and Stellantis, adds that, “I am honored to be able to contribute to the future of one of the most significant companies of the 21st century.” Elkann plans to bring his global experience to Meta as it continues to push the frontiers of innovation.

Charlie Songhurst, a technology investor with extensive experience in AI and enterprise software, notes his previous role as part of Meta’s advisory group. “As part of Meta’s advisory group, I’ve seen firsthand the opportunities to scale new products and grow AI and enterprise capabilities.”

The new board members join an already diverse group that includes prominent figures from various industries. The appointments come as Meta intensifies its focus on AI development, exploring new avenues for growth and innovation within its social media platforms and beyond.
As Meta continues its transition from traditional social media towards immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality, these strategic appointments signal a commitment to exploring AI’s potential in shaping human connection, the company says.