Governance
Who is Kurtis Lindqvist? New president & CEO of ICANN, forming the future of internet governance
Kurtis Lindqvist is renowned for his contributions to building a secure, resilient, and inclusive global Internet.

Headline
Kurtis Lindqvist is renowned for his contributions to building a secure, resilient, and inclusive global Internet.
Context
OUR TAKE Kurtis Lindqvist stands out not just for his technical acumen and leadership roles in the digital infrastructure space but also for his thoughtful approach to internet governance. His career reflects a blend of humility and dedication, characterised by a commitment to fostering collaboration and inclusivity within the global internet community. Whether advancing internet exchange points or advocating for an open and secure digital ecosystem, Lindqvist’s journey is marked by a consistent focus on practical solutions and a genuine passion for connecting people. –Ashley Wang, BTW reporter Kurt Erik “Kurtis” Lindqvist, a veteran in the field of internet technology and governance, has been a pivotal figure in shaping the infrastructure and policies that underpin the global internet. In Lindqvist’s extensive career, his contributions to internet governance are not to be neglected. With his recent appointment as the President and CEO of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) , Lindqvist is poised to continue influencing the trajectory of the internet at a critical juncture in its evolution.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Lindqvist’s journey into the realm of technology began with a strong academic foundation. He studied Computer Science at Uppsala University in Sweden, where he developed a deep understanding of the technical aspects of computing and networking. This academic background laid the groundwork for his future endeavours in internet technology and governance. Also read: ICANN appoints Kurtis Lindqvist as new president and CEO Complementing his technical education, Lindqvist pursued an Executive MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland. This advanced business education equipped him with strategic and managerial skills, which have been crucial in his leadership roles. The combination of technical expertise and business acumen has made Lindqvist a well-rounded leader, capable of navigating the complexities of the internet landscape. With over 30 years of experience in the development of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and worldwide network carriers, Lindqvist has continually played an active role in global internet governance, presenting the world with his ambitious career dedicated to fostering an open, secure, and inclusive Internet.
Key Points
- Kurtis Lindqvist, a pioneering leader in internet infrastructure and governance, is renowned for his strategic vision and contributions to building a secure, resilient, and inclusive global internet.
- As he steps into his new role at ICANN, Lindqvist brings a wealth of experience and a strategic perspective that will be crucial in navigating the future of internet governance.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.




