- ICANN re-appointed Tripti Sinha as Chair of its Board of Directors and named Chris Chapman as Vice Chair during its 81st Public Meeting in Istanbul, ensuring experienced and strategic leadership in global Internet governance.
- These appointments strengthen ICANN’s ability to address evolving challenges in Internet security, accessibility, and policy while promoting inclusivity and trust through a multistakeholder governance approach.
What happened
On November 14, 2024, ICANN revealed key leadership appointments following its 81st Public Meeting in Istanbul. Tripti Sinha, a prominent figure in cyber-infrastructure and Internet policy since joining ICANN in 2018, was re-appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors. Meanwhile, Chris Chapman, who joined the Board in 2022 and played a vital role in selecting ICANN’s next CEO, was named Vice Chair. These leadership roles aim to drive ICANN’s mission of maintaining a secure, stable, and globally accessible Internet.
Both leaders expressed their commitment to ICANN’s goals. Sinha emphasized her dedication to advancing the multistakeholder approach, while Chapman highlighted the importance of addressing upcoming challenges and opportunities alongside global stakeholders. This change follows closely on the heels of ICANN’s earlier announcement of Kurtis Lindqvist as its new President and CEO, a position that was officially filled a few weeks ago. Lindqvist’s appointment was widely covered, marking a pivotal moment in ICANN’s leadership transition.
Also read: ICANN appoints Kurtis Lindqvist as new president and CEO
Also read: Who is Kurtis Lindqvist? New president & CEO of ICANN, forming the future of internet governance
Why it is important
ICANN’s leadership changes come at a pivotal moment for global Internet governance. The re-appointment of Tripti Sinha as Chair ensures continuity in ICANN’s strategic vision. Her expertise in cyber-infrastructure and commitment to fostering a multistakeholder approach will be critical as ICANN addresses challenges such as cybersecurity threats, the digital divide, and the need for a unified yet decentralized Internet. Her leadership reinforces ICANN’s mission to maintain stability and accessibility in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The appointment of Chris Chapman as Vice Chair brings a fresh perspective. His extensive background in telecommunications and regulatory frameworks complements Sinha’s technical expertise. With his experience in navigating complex policy environments, Chapman is well-positioned to enhance ICANN’s engagement with diverse stakeholders and drive forward strategic initiatives, such as ensuring equitable access to Internet resources.
Together, their leadership underscores ICANN’s commitment to fostering trust and inclusivity in Internet governance. As the Internet continues to expand, strong, balanced leadership is indispensable for addressing global challenges while maintaining an open and secure Internet.
