Dana(DAN) Techxplore·2025-01-07 10:22Meta's Board Appointments - Meta appointed three new directors to its board, including UFC head Dana White, Exor CEO John Elkann, and former Microsoft executive Charlie Songhurst, bringing the total board members to 13 [2][5] - Dana White expressed his belief in the future of social media and AI, stating that he joined Meta's board due to this conviction [5] - John Elkann, from the Agnelli industrialist family, is the executive chairman of Stellantis and Ferrari, adding significant industry expertise to Meta's board [5] Meta's Strategic Focus - Meta is intensifying its focus on artificial intelligence and wearable technology development, as highlighted by CEO Mark Zuckerberg [6] - Zuckerberg emphasized that the new board members will provide expertise and perspective to help Meta tackle opportunities in AI, wearables, and the future of human connection [6] Meta's Relationship with Trump Administration - Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been making efforts to repair the company's relationship with the incoming Trump administration, including a $1 million donation to Trump's inauguration fund [2] - Zuckerberg dined with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in November, signaling a strategic move to align with the new administration [3] - Meta also appointed Republican stalwart Joel Kaplan to head public affairs, replacing former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg [3] Dana White's Connection to Trump - Dana White has maintained a close friendship with Trump for two decades, dating back to when Trump offered his venues for UFC events [4] - White's appointment to Meta's board is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ties with the Trump administration, given his close alliance with the President-elect [2][4]