ICANN appoints Kurtis Lindqvist as new president and CEO

ICANN appoints Kurtis Lindqvist as new president and CEO is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• Kurtis Lindqvist, with 30 years of industry experience, has been appointed as ICANN’s next President and CEO, effective 5 December 2024.
• Lindqvist’s appointment followed an extensive global search and underscores ICANN’s commitment to a robust and participatory Internet governance framework.

OUR TAKE
ICANN has appointed Kurt Erik “Kurtis” Lindqvist as its next president and CEO, effective 5 December 2024. With more than 30 years of experience, including as CEO of the London Internet Exchange, Lindqvist is well prepared to enhance ICANN’s critical role in ensuring a stable and secure global Internet. His leadership will focus on strengthening partnerships and championing the multi-stakeholder governance model. This move is critical for ICANN as it continues to oversee the critical systems that keep the Internet running smoothly, promoting global connectivity and security.
Heidi Luo, BTW reporter

What happened

The internet corporation for assigned names and numbers (ICANN) has appointed Kurt Erik “Kurtis” Lindqvist as its next president and CEO, with his term to begin on 5 December 2024.

Lindqvist, currently CEO of the London Internet Exchange (LINX), brings more than thirty years of industry experience and a deep commitment to the ICANN community. His selection concludes an extensive global search process that began with a list of 100 candidates from more than 20 countries and ended with his unanimous selection by the Board.

“I am delighted to welcome Kurtis to ICANN,” said Tripti Sinha, chair of ICANN’s board of directors. “He is a well-respected, transformational leader who will take ICANN into the future by evolving the organisation, building even stronger partnerships within our industry, and championing ICANN’s critical role in the multistakeholder model of Internet governance on the global stage.”

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Also read: What is ICANN? Inside the non-profit org that ensures the stability of the internet

Why it’s important

This process, led by ICANN’s CEO search committee, involved careful screening and multiple rounds of interviews to ensure the selection of a leader who embodies ICANN’s values and strategic goals.

The transition period until December will be led by Sally Costerton, who will continue to serve as interim president and CEO, providing stability and continuity of leadership until Lindqvist assumes his role.

“I am thrilled to be joining ICANN at this pivotal time,” said Lindqvist. “From its open architecture to its multi-stakeholder governance model, the Internet has enabled innovation and the transformation of entire industries. “

“Protecting and developing this is something I am passionate about. ICANN, as part of the ecosystem, is at the heart of the success of this model, along with the technologies that enable it. I look forward to working with the staff and the board to deliver on ICANN’s mission,” he said.

Lindqvist will remain in his current role at LINX until a new leader is appointed. As of 5 December, he will be actively working with ICANN’s Board and executive team from his base in ICANN’s Geneva office, although he will also spend time at headquarters in Los Angeles, California, to facilitate a seamless transition into his new role as President and CEO.