In a surprising announcement, Dana White, president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has joined Facebook parent company Meta's board of directors, signaling a significant reshuffle in the tech giant's leadership team.

The new role for White -- a known ally of President-elect Donald Trump -- accompanies Meta's decision to appoint Joel Kaplan as the president of global affairs, replacing Nick Clegg, as the Daily Wire reports.

White's inclusion in Meta's leadership comes at a time when the company is undergoing substantial restructuring.

Meta, known for its prominence in social media and artificial intelligence, highlights this move as part of its vision for future growth and innovation.

Kaplan Promoted to New Leadership Role

Kaplan, who served as Meta’s vice president of global public policy since 2011, steps up to fill the position previously held by Clegg. Prior to his time at Meta, Kaplan held a notable role as the White House deputy chief of Staff under then-President George W. Bush, illustrating his extensive experience in public affairs.

In welcoming the new member to the board, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, praised his entrepreneurial prowess. Zuckerberg highlighted White's successful transformation of the UFC into a leading global sports phenomenon, emphasizing White's talents in building a beloved and successful brand.

White himself expressed excitement about his new position at Meta, underscoring his belief in the transformative power of social media and artificial intelligence. He stated that joining Meta's board presented a unique learning opportunity and a chance to contribute to the company's growth from within.

Dana White Expresses Enthusiasm for New Position

White candidly shared his lack of prior interest in board membership, explaining that Meta's offer was too compelling to resist. His commitment to brand-building aligns with his goals for Meta, where he aims to support the company's continued evolution into a pioneering force in its field.

White's experience and leadership extend beyond the boardroom and are deeply rooted in his achievements with the UFC. He has overseen the organization's rise from a niche combat sport into one of the world's fastest-growing sports enterprises. This background is likely to influence his contributions to Meta, especially in areas related to marketing and brand expansion.

White's connection to Trump is also noteworthy. He has been a supporter and advocated for Trump's leadership qualities and political aspirations. White's endorsement of Trump highlights a longstanding friendship and mutual respect between the two.

Trump's Relationship with White

This relationship was further emphasized during White's speech at the Republican National Convention where he nominated Trump for the presidency. White noted Trump's deep regard for family values, evidenced by his understanding and concern for White's family commitments during the convention.

White has often described Trump as resilient, unwavering, and passionate about the country's future. His endorsements of Trump are tied to a shared vision for the American dream and the strength of leadership they believe essential for the country's prosperity.

White articulated his belief in Trump's candidacy as a fight to preserve the values they both hold dear. In his remarks, White underscored themes of strength, security, opportunity, and prosperity as key factors in choosing leadership for the nation.

Emphasis on Strength and Leadership

According to White, Trump's candidacy represents a clear choice for "real American leadership," highlighting qualities he admires in his friend and political ally. White's support is tied to his personal narrative and his living embodiment of the American dream.

As White transitions into his new role at Meta, his vast experience in promoting and expanding the UFC will undoubtedly offer fresh perspectives to the tech company's leadership. His enthusiasm for social media and AI aligns with Meta’s strategic objectives, positioning White as a valuable contributor to its board.

The appointment of Kaplan as president of global affairs alongside White's inclusion in the board underscores Meta’s commitment to strengthening its leadership with individuals possessing diverse backgrounds and accomplishments.

This strategic move could potentially steer Meta towards even greater heights, building on the foundations of brand prowess and innovative thinking.