ICANN CEO

The ICANN CEO also serves as president thus it is the highest ranking position within the internet governing body. In other words, he is responsible in leading the organization to perform its activities and responsibilities particularly the effective and efficient coordination and technical management of the Domain Name System. The ICANN CEO ensures that the organization operates under its Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, he is accountable to and work with the Board of Directors and represents the organizations to the global internet community, regulatory agencies, media and the general public. He is responsible in preserving and promoting the multistakeholder model in internet governance and policy making process within the global internet community. He also leads ICANN in developing strategic operations in accordance with the organizations Mission Statement and Core Values and supervises the development of ICANN's yearly operating plan, financial budget, revenues, expenditures and implementation of fundraising initiatives.

CEO Search Committee

The ICANN Board started the CEO succession planning on during a meeting on September 17, 2011 following the announcement of Rod Beckstrom, the current President and CEO of the organization that he would fulfill his term until the expiration of his contract on July 1, 2012. During the meeting, the Board of Directors agreed that no current or incoming member of the Board or liaisons would be considered as a candidate for the role of the CEO for the current CEO Selection process. In addition, the Board of Directors approved the list of Board Members recommended by the Board Governance Committee (BGC) who would comprise the CEO Search Process Management Work Committee, which include George Sadowsky (Chairman), Steve Crocker, Bertrand de La Chapelle, Erika Mann, Chris Disspain, Cherine Chalaby, Ray Plzak and R. Ramaraj. The Committee will help in coordinating the timely transition of ICANN’s leadership.

During the ICANN 42 meeting in Dakar, the Board conducted an open consultation regarding the criteria and process of selecting the next ICANN CEO. The ICANN community were encouraged to provide their inputs Until November 15, 2011 through the email address ceosearch2012[at]icann.org provided by the CEO Search Committee. The inputs were used in the job description and requirements for the actual search.

In addition, during his opening remarks in Dakar, Beckstrom is hoping that his successor would be of "highest integrity and has no current commercial or career interests in the domain name industry.He pointed out,“We are not here in the domain name business,We are here to serve the global public interest.” On the other hand, Steve Crocker said, “We’re very concerned about conflicts of interest and at same time we want the widest and most capable pool of candidates possible.”

On December 12, 2011, CEO Search Committee announced that it received several inputs from the ICANN community and issued an Request for Proposal (RFP) from firms that will help in the search process. Odgers Berndtson of Brussels was selected and collaborated with committee in developing a candidate profile, which will be used in the selection process. The committee kicked off the search process by releasing the CEO Candidate Profile, which listed a total of 25 desirable personal,professional,governance and technical skills. The CEO Candidate Profile is available here

All inquiries regarding the ICANN CEO position should be sent to Odgers Berndtson at ceo-icann[be]odgersberndtson.be.