PALO ALTO, California — Mark Zuckerberg founder and CEO of Facebook announced that Kenneth Chenault, Former CEO of American Express, will join Facebook’s Board of Directors. Chenualt is highly regarded one of the nation’s most prominent black corporate leaders. The appointment, gives the social media giant its first black director on its all-white board.

“I’m excited to announce that Kenneth Chenault, the outgoing CEO of American Express, has agreed to join Facebook’s Board of Directors,” said Mark Zuckerberg in a statement.

“I’ve been trying to recruit Ken for years. He has unique expertise in areas I believe Facebook needs to learn and improve — customer service, direct commerce, and building a trusted brand. Ken also has a strong sense of social mission and the perspective that comes from running an important public company for decades.

Adding someone to our board is one of the most important decisions our board makes. It’s a long process that I take very seriously since this is the group that ultimately governs Facebook. Ken and I have had dinners discussing our mission and strategy for years, and he has already helped me think through some of the bigger issues I’m hoping we take on this year.”

Welcome Ken, and I’m looking forward to working with you on our board!

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Chenault, 66, has been with American Express since 1981. He serves on the boards of IBM, Procter & Gamble and nonprofit groups including the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health. He’s also a philanthropist who took a lead role in raising money for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.