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'''Fadi Chehadé''' is the former President and CEO of [[ICANN]] (2012-2016). In April, 2016, Chehadé left ICANN to join the World Economic Forum, taking a role as the senior advisor to to the Executive Chairman, Klaus Schwab.<ref>[http://www.weforum.org/press/2016/01/fadi-chehade-announcement WEF Announcement]</ref>

'''Fadi Chehadé''' is Co-CEO of [[Ethos Capital]] and the former President and CEO of [[ICANN]] (2012-2016). In April 2016, Chehadé left ICANN to join the World Economic Forum, taking a role as the senior advisor to the Executive Chairman, Klaus Schwab.<ref>[http://www.weforum.org/press/2016/01/fadi-chehade-announcement WEF Announcement]</ref>

Fadi's first introduction to an ICANN crowd came in June 2012 at [[ICANN 44]] in Prague, Czech Republic, where he introduced himself in a speech during the Opening Ceremony.<ref>[http://www.thedomains.com/2012/06/25/new-icann-ceo-fadi-chehade-impresses-in-opening-session-the-internet-is-the-greatest-public-gift/ New ICANN CEO Fadi Chehade Impresses In Opening Session: “The Internet is the Greatest Public Gift”]. The Domains. Published 2012 June 25.</ref> He replaced former CEO [[Rod Beckstrom]].

Fadi's first introduction to an ICANN crowd came in June 2012 at [[ICANN 44]] in Prague, Czech Republic, where he introduced himself in a speech during the Opening Ceremony.<ref>[http://www.thedomains.com/2012/06/25/new-icann-ceo-fadi-chehade-impresses-in-opening-session-the-internet-is-the-greatest-public-gift/ New ICANN CEO Fadi Chehade Impresses In Opening Session: “The Internet is the Greatest Public Gift”]. The Domains. Published 2012 June 25.</ref> He replaced former CEO [[Rod Beckstrom]].

On May 21, 2015, [[ICANN]] announced that Chehadé will end his tenure as president and CEO in March, 2016. In a press release, ICANN stated that Mr. Chehadé "will be available to work closely with ICANN after March 2016 to support the transition to a new leader, as well as to advise the Board on any issue they require including the implementation of the IANA Stewardship Transition from the US Government to ICANN and the technical operating community." <ref>https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2015-05-21-en</ref>  

On May 21, 2015, [[ICANN]] announced that Chehadé would end his tenure as president and CEO in March 2016. In a press release, ICANN stated that Mr. Chehadé "will be available to work closely with ICANN after March 2016 to support the transition to a new leader, as well as to advise the Board on any issue they require including the implementation of the IANA Stewardship Transition from the US Government to ICANN and the technical operating community." <ref>https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2015-05-21-en</ref>  

On 17 August 2015, he announced on the ICANN Blog that after he steps down he will be taking a position as a Senior Advisor on Digital Strategy for ABRY Partners, a Boston-based private equity investment firm. Additionally, he said that he plans on adding other responsibilities to his portfolio.<ref>[https://www.icann.org/news/blog/my-transition-from-icann-ceo ICANN Blog] Retrieved 17 August 2015</ref>

On 17 August 2015, he announced on the ICANN Blog that after he steps down he will be taking a position as a Senior Advisor on Digital Strategy for ABRY Partners, a Boston-based private equity investment firm. Additionally, he said that he plans on adding other responsibilities to his portfolio.<ref>[https://www.icann.org/news/blog/my-transition-from-icann-ceo ICANN Blog] Retrieved 17 August 2015</ref>

===Assuming the CEO Position===

===Assuming the CEO Position===

[[ICANN]] announced on September, 14, 2012 that Mr. Chehadé has officially stepped into his role as CEO, which it pointed out was 2 weeks ahead of the deadline of October 1. Along with this announcement came the news that Mr. Chehadé had already made arrangements to restructure the organization in several ways, including who reports directly to him and the creation of new executive positions.

[[ICANN]] announced on September 14, 2012 that Mr. Chehadé has officially stepped into his role as CEO, which it pointed out was 2 weeks ahead of the deadline of October 1. Along with this announcement came the news that Mr. Chehadé had already made arrangements to restructure the organization in several ways, including who reports directly to him and the creation of new executive positions.

* [[Akram Atallah]], interim CEO is returning to his role as COO, with expanded responsibilities, which include oversight of [[Registry]] and [[Registrar]] Services, the [[New gTLD Program|new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) program]],  and security and other important activities.

* [[Akram Atallah]], interim CEO is returning to his role as COO, with expanded responsibilities, which include oversight of [[Registry]] and [[Registrar]] Services, the [[New gTLD Program|new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) program]],  and security and other important activities.

* [[Tarek Kamel]],  who previously lead the development of ICANN's African strategy as a Senior Advisor to the President, was appointed to the new role of Senior Advisor for Government Affairs, leading all aspects of Government Engagement. He was on the short list of consideration for the ICANN CEO position, which Mr. Chehadé went on to fill. Mr. Kamel will be based in Europe.<ref>[http://news.dot-nxt.com/2012/09/14/icanns-new-ceo-announces-bold ICANNs New CEO Announces bold]. dot-nxt. Published 2012 September 14.</ref>

* [[Tarek Kamel]],  who previously lead the development of ICANN's African strategy as a Senior Advisor to the President, was appointed to the new role of Senior Advisor for Government Affairs, leading all aspects of Government Engagement. He was on the short list of consideration for the ICANN CEO position, which Mr. Chehadé went on to fill. Mr. Kamel will be based in Europe.<ref>[http://news.dot-nxt.com/2012/09/14/icanns-new-ceo-announces-bold ICANN's New CEO Announces bold]. dot-nxt. Published 2012 September 14.</ref>

* [[Sally Costerton]], was a new hire and was most recently CEO of Hill & Knowlton Public Relations for Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Her new role at ICANN is Head of Stakeholder Relations, which is a role that will incorporate the communications function. She was also on the shortlist for ICANN CEO. Ms. Costerton will be based in Europe.

* [[Sally Costerton]], was a new hire and was most recently CEO of Hill & Knowlton Public Relations for Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Her new role at ICANN is Head of Stakeholder Relations, which is a role that will incorporate the communications function. She was also on the shortlist for ICANN CEO. Ms. Costerton will be based in Europe.

All three of these executives are to report directly to Mr. Chehadé. Other executives to report directly to the CEO include: [[Kurt Pritz]], who will assume the role of Chief of Strategy, leaving the role of Senior Vice President; [[John Jeffrey]], General Counsel and Secretary of the [[ICANN Board]]; [[David Olive]], Vice President of Policy; [[Maguy Serad]], is to assume the position of VP of Contractual Compliance, being promoted from Senior Director of Contractual Compliance, with her department reporting directly to the CEO as well.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-14sep12-en.htm Announcement]. ICANN. Published 2012 September 14.</ref>

All three of these executives are to report directly to Mr. Chehadé. Other executives to report directly to the CEO include: [[Kurt Pritz]], who will assume the role of Chief of Strategy, leaving the role of Senior Vice President; [[John Jeffrey]], General Counsel and Secretary of the [[ICANN Board]]; [[David Olive]], Vice President of Policy; [[Maguy Serad]], is to assume the position of VP of Contractual Compliance, being promoted from Senior Director of Contractual Compliance, with her department reporting directly to the CEO as well.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-14sep12-en.htm Announcement]. ICANN. Published 2012 September 14.</ref>

In an open letter to the community, Chehadé shared a 12-point plan which can be seen [http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/chehade-to-icann-community-05nov12-en here] of what he hopes to accomplish between ICANN 45 in Toronto and ICANN 46 in Beijing 2013. Among others issues to be addressed, Chehadé lists the following as top priorities<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10941-chehade-sets-out-12-point-plan-for-next-six-months Chehade sets out 12-point plan for next six months]. Domain Incite. Published 2012 November 5. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>:

In an open letter to the community, Chehadé shared a 12-point plan which can be seen [http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/chehade-to-icann-community-05nov12-en here] of what he hopes to accomplish between ICANN 45 in Toronto and ICANN 46 in Beijing 2013. Among others issues to be addressed, Chehadé lists the following as top priorities<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10941-chehade-sets-out-12-point-plan-for-next-six-months Chehade sets out 12-point plan for next six months]. Domain Incite. Published 2012 November 5. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>:

# "Operational excellence" under his new leadership as ICANN's "highest priority";

# "Operational excellence" under his new leadership as ICANN's "highest priority";

# ICANN's delivery "on every aspect of the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]] launch next year" through the creation of a new gTLD servies department and the implementation of [[Trademark Clearing House]];

# ICANN's delivery "on every aspect of the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]] launch next year" through the creation of a new gTLD services department and the implementation of [[Trademark Clearing House]];

# A community effort to resolve longstanding issues of the [[Whois]] debate;

# A community effort to resolve longstanding issues of the [[Whois]] debate;

# A plan to "reach consensus on a solid and enforceable [[Registrar Accreditation Agreement]] that is fair and balanced."

# A plan to "reach consensus on a solid and enforceable [[Registrar Accreditation Agreement]] that is fair and balanced."

CIS and Eastern Europe; [[Savenaca Vocea]], Australasia/Pacific Islands.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-28nov12-en.htm Announcement 28Nov12, ICANN.org]Published 28 Nov 2012, Retrieved 11 Jan 2013</ref>

CIS and Eastern Europe; [[Savenaca Vocea]], Australasia/Pacific Islands.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-28nov12-en.htm Announcement 28Nov12, ICANN.org]Published 28 Nov 2012, Retrieved 11 Jan 2013</ref>

In October, 2012, [[AFRINIC]] and ICANN signed an agreement to facilitate the deployment of anycast instances of L Root DNS server, operated by ICANN, in the African region. ICANN, as the operator of the L-Root Server, will work cooperatively with AFRINIC to identify candidate sites within the region of Africa that meet the criteria for the hosting of anycast instances of the L-Root server operated by ICANN. Part of AFRINIC's mission aims to increase the number of DNS root servers instances in the African region as well as its own DNS Anycast platform where AFRINIC hosts its own DNS services but also make it available at no cost for ccTLDs in the region.<ref>[http://www.afrinic.net/en/library/news/press/781-afrinic-and-icann-to-cooperate-further-in-internet-development-in-africa AFRINIC and ICANN to cooperate Further in Internet Development, AFRINIC.net]Published 18 Oct 2012, Retrieved 11 Jan 2013</ref>

In October 2012, [[AFRINIC]] and ICANN signed an agreement to facilitate the deployment of anycast instances of L Root DNS server, operated by ICANN, in the African region. ICANN, as the operator of the L-Root Server, will work cooperatively with AFRINIC to identify candidate sites within the region of Africa that meet the criteria for the hosting of anycast instances of the L-Root server operated by ICANN. Part of AFRINIC's mission aims to increase the number of DNS root servers instances in the African region as well as its own DNS Anycast platform where AFRINIC hosts its own DNS services but also make it available at no cost for ccTLDs in the region.<ref>[http://www.afrinic.net/en/library/news/press/781-afrinic-and-icann-to-cooperate-further-in-internet-development-in-africa AFRINIC and ICANN to cooperate Further in Internet Development, AFRINIC.net]Published 18 Oct 2012, Retrieved 11 Jan 2013</ref>

In March 2013, CEO Chehadé expressed his desire to raise the number of registrars in Africa from 5 to 25, via personal and business relations with the banking and insurance sectors that would allow the African companies to more easily meet some form of tailored ICANN accreditation. His hope is to accomplish this in just a few months, with something implemented around ICANN 47 in Durban, in July, 2013<ref>[http://domainincite.com/12181-chehade-commits-to-grow-the-number-of-domain-registrars-in-africa Chehade Commits to Grow The Number of Number of Domain Registrars in Africa, DomainIncite.com] Retrieved 8 Mar 2013</ref>

In March 2013, CEO Chehadé expressed his desire to raise the number of registrars in Africa from 5 to 25, via personal and business relations with the banking and insurance sectors that would allow the African companies to more easily meet some form of tailored ICANN accreditation. His hope is to accomplish this in just a few months, with something implemented around ICANN 47 in Durban, in July 2013<ref>[http://domainincite.com/12181-chehade-commits-to-grow-the-number-of-domain-registrars-in-africa Chehade Commits to Grow The Number of Number of Domain Registrars in Africa, DomainIncite.com] Retrieved 8 Mar 2013</ref>

Mr. Chehadé continued on his global outreach tour and engaged Middle eastern stakeholders at the Arab Multi-Stakeholder Internet Governance meeting in Dubai. The meeting, hosted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates, brought together representatives from several different Internet organizations. Fadi Chehadé noted that he hoped to have a more clear engagement strategy for the Arab World by May, and noted that this goal would only be possible if the many Arab stakeholders involved also came to the table.<ref>[http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/3/prweb10504158.htm PRWeb, Releases, PRWeb.com] Retrieved & Published March 7 2013</ref>

Mr. Chehadé continued on his global outreach tour and engaged Middle eastern stakeholders at the Arab Multi-Stakeholder Internet Governance meeting in Dubai. The meeting, hosted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates, brought together representatives from several different Internet organizations. Fadi Chehadé noted that he hoped to have a more clear engagement strategy for the Arab World by May, and noted that this goal would only be possible if the many Arab stakeholders involved also came to the table.<ref>[http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/3/prweb10504158.htm PRWeb, Releases, PRWeb.com] Retrieved & Published March 7 2013</ref>

===Plans to Diminish ICANN presence and ties with U.S.===

===Plans to Diminish ICANN presence and ties with U.S.===

At [[ICANN 45]] in Toronto, a 3 year plan, entitled "ICANN's New Approach to Africa", was unveiled and presented to the community for comment. The plan was created through a working group convened at the previous ICANN meeting, which involved input from much of the African delegation, [[AFRINIC]], and other important contacts knowledgeable about the region.<ref>[http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/initiative-unveiled-to-increase-icann-s-presence-in-africa/129281/ Initiative Unveiled to Increase ICANNs Presence in Africa, ThisDayLive.com] Published 1 Nov 2012, Retrieved 11 Jan 2013</ref>

In February 2013, CEO Fadi Chehadé announced that ICANN's office in L.A. would diminish in importance while two new "hubs" would be created to fill the gap and provide new means of outreach to ICANN's international constituents. The hubs are to be located in Singapore and Istanbul, and are to act with far more authority and purpose than a stand-alone office; it is clear that many senior staff from the L.A. office will be asked to move, and the CEO himself said he will be based in Singapore once that office is up and running.<ref>[http://nigel.je/2013/02/icann-la-to-be-broken-up-begging-letters-to-stop/ ICANN LA To be Broken Up Begging Letters to Stop, Nigel.je] Retrieved 25 Feb 2012</ref><ref>[http://domainincite.com/11967-icann-to-set-up-hubs-in-singapore-and-istanbul ICANN to Set up Hubs in Singapore and Istanbul, DomainIncite.com] Retrieved 25 Feb 2013</ref> The news was announced during Mr. Chehadé's first comprehensive tour of Asia, with trips to South Korea, China, Japan, and Singapore. He noted that ICANN needed to  apologize to Asia, as it had long not been given the attention it deserved within the organization.<ref>[http://www.zdnet.com/sg/icann-ceo-we-owe-asia-a-big-apology-7000011762/ ICANN CEO We Owe Asia a Big Apology, ZDnet.com] Retrieved 25 Feb 2013</ref>

In February 2013, CEO Fadi Chehadé announced that ICANN's office in L.A. would diminish in importance while two new "hubs" would be created to fill the gap and provide new means of outreach to ICANN's international constituents. The hubs are to be located in Singapore and Istanbul, and are to act with far more authority and purpose than a stand-alone office; it is clear that many senior staff from the L.A. office will be asked to move, and the CEO himself said he will be based in Singapore once that office is up and running.<ref>[http://nigel.je/2013/02/icann-la-to-be-broken-up-begging-letters-to-stop/ ICANN LA To be Broken Up Begging Letters to Stop, Nigel.je] Retrieved 25 Feb 2012</ref><ref>[http://domainincite.com/11967-icann-to-set-up-hubs-in-singapore-and-istanbul ICANN to Set up Hubs in Singapore and Istanbul, DomainIncite.com] Retrieved 25 Feb 2013</ref> The news was announced during Mr. Chehadé's first comprehensive tour of Asia, with trips to South Korea, China, Japan, and Singapore. He noted that ICANN needed to apologize to Asia, as it had long not been given the attention it deserved within the organization.<ref>[http://www.zdnet.com/sg/icann-ceo-we-owe-asia-a-big-apology-7000011762/ ICANN CEo We Owe Asia a Big Apology, ZDnet.com] Retrieved 25 Feb 2013</ref>

During the [[Munich Conference on new gTLds]] that was held in October 2013, Mr. Chehadé made a keynote address that focused on his plan to break the ties that the United States government has with [[ICANN]]. He stressed that the powerful role the government has over the [[DNS]] root zone is not sustainable for the future, but warned that breaking ties could create a governance vacuum that could be cause for concern. He also referenced recent news regarding Internet surveillance by the U.S. government as cause for speeding up the process.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/14888-chehade-talks-up-split-from-us-oversight Chehade talks up Split from US Oversight, Domain Incite] Retrieved 04 Nov 2013</ref><ref>[http://newdomains.org/ NewDomains.org]</ref> View the video of Mr. Chehadé's address at the conference [http://www.icann.org/en/news/press/kits/video-chehade-new-gtld-munich-28oct13-en.htm here].

 

While a longstanding issue within the ICANN community, the difference and use of implementation procedures and policy development began to reach a noticeable head throughout 2012 and into 2013. Strictly speaking, anything that is "ICANN Policy" needs to go through its various [[SO|supporting organizations]] and be approved, while implementation refers to matters adopted by the [[ICANN Board]] regardless of any consultation to the rest of the community. ICANN is supposed to be driven by bottom-up, consensus policy development, and this often results in the organization making slow progress. Implementation procedures are necessary to accommodate the practical issues related to organizational effectiveness.<ref name="Race">[http://www.bna.com/race-toward-new-b17179871911/ Race Toward New, BNA.com]Published 17 Jan 2013, Retrieved 18 Jan</ref>

During the [[Munich Conference on new gTLds]] that was held in October 2013, Mr. Chehadé made a keynote address that focused on his plan to break the ties that the United States government has with [[ICANN]]. He stressed that the powerful role the government has over the [[DNS]] root zone is not sustainable for the future, but warned that breaking ties could create a governance vacuum that could be cause for concern. He also referenced recent news regarding Internet surveillance by the U.S. government as cause for speeding up the process.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/14888-chehade-talks-up-split-from-us-oversight Chehade talks up Split from US Oversight, Domain Incite] Retrieved 04 Nov 2013</ref><ref>[http://newdomains.org/ NewDomains.org]</ref> View the video of Mr. Chehadé's address at the conference [http://www.icann.org/en/news/press/kits/video-chehade-new-gtld-munich-28oct13-en.htm here].

* Special protections were given to the [[IOC|Internaional Olympic Comittee]] and [[Red Cross]]/Red Crescent in 2012 with regards to their marks across all New gTLDs. This action was approved by the [[ICANN Board]] despite the fact that the [[GNSO]] was still debating the issue though still largely against the special protections.

* In 2012, the registry agreements for [[.com]] and [[.net]] were renewed without requirements for a "thick" [[Whois]], despite policy development that was working for such requirements.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10300-why-com-still-doesnt-have-a-thick-whois Why Com Still Doesn't Have Thick Whois, DomainIncite.com]Published Aug 31 2012, Retrieve 18 Jan 2013</ref>

* Further trademark issues appear to be forthcoming via implementation and not policy development after closed-door meetings in late 2012 with business and IP interests within the community.<ref name="Race"></ref> This is known as the "[[Strawman Solution]]".<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/public-comment/tmch-strawman-30nov12-en.htm TMCH Strawman, ICANN.org] 30 Nov 2012, Retrieved 18 Jan 2013</ref>

==New gTLD Program==

==New gTLD Program==

At his arrival, Mr. Cheahdé made the success of the [[New gTLD Program]] a top priority. His assumption of power at the organization was roundly praised but there was also plenty of critics and concerns. One prominent concern came well into his initial foray into the New gTLD Program, in January 2013, when he met with top representative of registry providers at an ICANN regional meeting. At that time he noted a number of problems and obstacles for the program, including maximum staffing capabilities, the feasibility of programming and coding the necessary systems well an on time, and the frenzied pace they are working at in ICANN. He notably said,  "Honestly, if it was up to me, I would delay the whole release of new gTLDs by at least a year," and while he went on to explain that wasn't going to happen, the suggestion itself worried some of the community hoping that ICANN could right its course of consistently missed new gTLD deadlines.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20130129_icann_ceos_admissions_icann_is_not_ready_for_new_gtlds_concern/ ICANN CEOs Admissions ICANN Is Not Ready For New gTLDs, CircleID.com] Posted Jan 29 2013, Retrieved Jan 31 2013</ref> This admission was clearly disregarded soon afterwards when he set April 23rd, 2013, as the date when ICANN will be ready to recommend the first TLDs for delegation.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kymny74B9dM&feature=youtu.be Youtube Video, youtube.com]Posted and Retrieved 15 Feb 2013</ref>

At his arrival, Mr. Cheahdé made the success of the [[New gTLD Program]] a top priority. His assumption of power at the organization was roundly praised but there was also plenty of critics and concerns. One prominent concern came well into his initial foray into the New gTLD Program, in January 2013, when he met with top representative of registry providers at an ICANN regional meeting. At that time he noted a number of problems and obstacles for the program, including maximum staffing capabilities, the feasibility of programming and coding the necessary systems well an on time, and the frenzied pace they are working at in ICANN. He notably said,  "Honestly, if it was up to me, I would delay the whole release of new gTLDs by at least a year," and while he went on to explain that wasn't going to happen, the suggestion itself worried some of the community hoping that ICANN could right its course of consistently missed new gTLD deadlines.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20130129_icann_ceos_admissions_icann_is_not_ready_for_new_gtlds_concern/ ICANN CEOs Admissions ICANN Is Not Ready For New gTLDs, CircleID.com] Posted Jan 29 2013, Retrieved Jan 31 2013</ref> This admission was clearly disregarded soon afterward when he set April 23, 2013, as the date when ICANN will be ready to recommend the first TLDs for delegation.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kymny74B9dM&feature=youtu.be Youtube Video, youtube.com]Posted and Retrieved 15 Feb 2013</ref>

===Trademark Protections===

===Trademark Protections===

Senators Patrick Leahy and Chuck Grassley and Congressional Representatives Lamar Smith and John Conyers issued an August 7 letter critizing ICANN's approach to new gTLDs. They criticized ICANN's level of New GTLD outreach, stating that "many members of the public outside the ICANN community are unaware that the New gTLD program is underway" and go on to note that those who are aware are not given adequate time and information to participate. The letter also highlighted demands from IP interests that ICANN systematically offer stronger rights protection mechanisms on the new gTLDs, such as a permanent Trademark Clearinghouse service rather than the existing policy, which only required the Clearinghouse be available the first sixty days after a registry launches.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10033-congressmen-say-new-gtlds-need-more-comments Congressmen say new gTLDs need more comments]. Domain Incite. Published 2012 August 8. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>

Senators Patrick Leahy and Chuck Grassley and Congressional Representatives Lamar Smith and John Conyers issued an August 7 letter criticizing ICANN's approach to new gTLDs. They criticized ICANN's level of New GTLD outreach, stating that "many members of the public outside the ICANN community are unaware that the New gTLD program is underway" and go on to note that those who are aware are not given adequate time and information to participate. The letter also highlighted demands from IP interests that ICANN systematically offer stronger rights protection mechanisms on the new gTLDs, such as a permanent Trademark Clearinghouse service rather than the existing policy, which only required the Clearinghouse be available the first sixty days after a registry launches.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10033-congressmen-say-new-gtlds-need-more-comments Congressmen say new gTLDs need more comments]. Domain Incite. Published 2012 August 8. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>

On September 19, 2012, Chehadé sent a letter in return, where he said explained that the 60-day period was reached through a "multi-year, extensive process with the ICANN community" and therefore would not be in ICANN's power to unilaterally extend. He also noted that the Trademark Clearinghouse is "intended to be a repository for existing legal rights, and not an adjudicator of such rights or creator of new rights. Extending the protections offered through the Trademark Clearinghouse to any form of name (such as the mark + generic term suggested in your letter) would potentially expand rights beyond those granted under trademark law and put the Clearinghouse in the role of making determinations as to the scope of particular rights."<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10538-new-icann-chief-pours-cold-water-on-new-gtld-trademark-protection-demands New ICANN chief pours cold water on new gTLD trademark protection demands]. Domain Incite. Published 2012 September 20. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>

On September 19, 2012, Chehadé sent a letter in return, where he said explained that the 60-day period was reached through a "multi-year, extensive process with the ICANN community" and therefore would not be in ICANN's power to unilaterally extend. He also noted that the Trademark Clearinghouse is "intended to be a repository for existing legal rights, and not an adjudicator of such rights or creator of new rights. Extending the protections offered through the Trademark Clearinghouse to any form of the name (such as the mark + generic term suggested in your letter) would potentially expand rights beyond those granted under trademark law and put the Clearinghouse in the role of making determinations as to the scope of particular rights."<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10538-new-icann-chief-pours-cold-water-on-new-gtld-trademark-protection-demands New ICANN chief pours cold water on new gTLD trademark protection demands]. Domain Incite. Published 2012 September 20. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>

However, in early November 2012, Chehadé invited a group of business, IP, and noncommercial users, along with registrar and registry stakeholder groups, to discuss Clearinghouse-related issues. The meeting was private and criticized by some as circumventing required policy development processes at ICANN.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10951-trademark-clearinghouse-breakthrough-at-private-brussels-meeting Trademark Clearinghouse “breakthrough” at private Brussels meeting]. Domain Incite. Published 2012 November 8. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref> The so called [[Trademark Clearinghouse#Strawman Solution|Strawman Solution]] that resulted from this meeting recommended:<ref>[http://blog.icann.org/2012/11/building-a-secure-and-reliable-trademark-clearinghouse/ Building a Secure and Reliable Trademark Clearinghouse]. ICANN Blog. Published 2012 November 7. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>:

However, in early November 2012, Chehadé invited a group of business, IP, and noncommercial users, along with registrar and registry stakeholder groups, to discuss Clearinghouse-related issues. The meeting was private and criticized by some as circumventing required policy development processes at ICANN.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10951-trademark-clearinghouse-breakthrough-at-private-brussels-meeting Trademark Clearinghouse “breakthrough” at private Brussels meeting]. Domain Incite. Published 2012 November 8. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref> The so-called [[Trademark Clearinghouse#Strawman Solution|Strawman Solution]] that resulted from this meeting recommended:<ref>[http://blog.icann.org/2012/11/building-a-secure-and-reliable-trademark-clearinghouse/ Building a Secure and Reliable Trademark Clearinghouse]. ICANN Blog. Published 2012 November 7. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>:

* Registration: How registration recording and verification are addressed

* Registration: How registration recording and verification are addressed

# Agreeing to map out trademark submission and verification components

# Agreeing to map out trademark submission and verification components

# Giving details on the degree of "matching" between a Clearinghouse record and a domain name's [[Whois]] data.

# Giving details on the degree of "matching" between a Clearinghouse record and a domain name's [[Whois]] data.

* Claims Management: How new gTLDs registries and registrars will facilitate Clearinghouse records during the registration process

* Claims Management: How new gTLDs registries and registrars will facilitate Clearinghouse records during the registration process

# Agreeing to hybrid system of decentralized and centralized system for Trademark Claims

# Agreeing to a hybrid decentralized and centralized system for Trademark Claims

# Offering trademark claims service for at least first 60 days of general registration and all new gTLD registries must offer a minimum 30-day sunrise period

# Offering trademark claims service for at least the first 60 days of general registration and all new gTLD registries must offer a minimum 30-day sunrise period

# Decided not to implement measures to address the potential mining of the Clearinghouse database for purposes not related to rights protection, on the basis that most controls would be ineffective

# Decided not to implement measures to address the potential mining of the Clearinghouse database for purposes not related to rights protection, on the basis that most controls would be ineffective

===Strawman "Mistake"===

===Strawman "Mistake"===

In a meeting with registries and registrars in Amsterdam on January 25th 2013, Mr. Chehadé claimed that the biggest mistake yet of his 4 months as CEO was convening the meetings that led to the [[Trademark Clearinhouse#Strawman Solution|Strawman Solution]].  At that time the proposal was still open for public comments and had not been rescinded, and a complaint by [[Maria Farrell]] of the [[NCUC|Non-Commercial Users Constituency]] had been filed with the [[ICANN Ombudsman]]. He noted that the speed at which they were addressing issues at ICANN was inevitably leading to mistakes, and that in his case he seems to have admitted to not appreciating the development process to create ICANN policy.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/11732-industry-man-chehade-admits-strawman-mistake Industry Man Chehade Admits Strawman Mistake, DomainIncite.com]Published and Retrieved Jan 25 2013</ref>

In a meeting with registries and registrars in Amsterdam on January 25, 2013, Mr. Chehadé claimed that the biggest mistake yet of his 4 months as CEO was convening the meetings that led to the [[Trademark Clearinhouse#Strawman Solution|Strawman Solution]].  At that time the proposal was still open for public comments and had not been rescinded, and a complaint by [[Maria Farrell]] of the [[NCUC|Non-Commercial Users Constituency]] had been filed with the [[ICANN Ombudsman]]. He noted that the speed at which they were addressing issues at ICANN was inevitably leading to mistakes, and that in his case he seems to have admitted to not appreciating the development process to create ICANN policy.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/11732-industry-man-chehade-admits-strawman-mistake Industry Man Chehade Admits Strawman Mistake, DomainIncite.com]Published and Retrieved Jan 25 2013</ref>

===Unilateral Right to Ammend===

===Unilateral Right to Ammend===

In February 2013, ICANN introduced a revised [[Registry Accreditation Agreement]] related to new registry operations for new gTLDs and updating the current agreement. The most controversial aspect of the document was the "Unilateral Right to Amend," which would give the [[ICANN Board]] to amend the document via a supermajority (66%) vote. The current agreement defers to the approval of registries representing two-thirds of all registry fees paid to ICANN before they became law. As ICANN COO, Akram Atallah, explained, "Soon there will be 1,300 different registries - it's not going to be like today when everyone can get in a room and decide on the right thing to do. We want a solution where if there is something that ICANN needs to do, there is a mechanism for doing so."<ref>[http://news.dot-nxt.com/2013/02/27/atallah-responds-industry-ange Atallah Responds Industry Anger, News.Dot-nxt.com] Retrieved 25 March 2013</ref> The move was decried as a power grab and a shift away from the multistakeholder model by many ICANN constituents, and the [[RySG|Registry Stakeholder Group]] expectedly reacted very negatively. Mr. Chehadé signaled in a speech to the [[ANA|Association of National Advertisers]] that he was not going to back off this point,<ref>[http://domainincite.com/12359-chehade-to-play-hard-ball-over-unilateral-right-to-amend Chehade to Play Hard Ball Over Unilateral Right to Ammend, DomainIncite.com] Retrieved 25 March 2013</ref> and had noted in a video posted to his blog that this point has the potential to delay the implementation of New gTLDs.<ref>[http://blog.icann.org/2013/03/new-gtld-milestones-and-deadlines/ New gTLD Milestones and Deadlines, Blog.ICANN.org] Retrieved 25 March 2013</ref>

In February 2013, ICANN introduced a revised [[Registry Accreditation Agreement]] related to new registry operations for new gTLDs and updating the current agreement. The most controversial aspect of the document was the "Unilateral Right to Amend," which would give the [[ICANN Board]] to amend the document via a supermajority (66%) vote. The current agreement defers to the approval of registries representing two-thirds of all registry fees paid to ICANN before they became law. As ICANN COO, Akram Atallah, explained, "Soon there will be 1,300 different registries - it's not going to be like today when everyone can get in a room and decide on the right thing to do. We want a solution where if there is something that ICANN needs to do, there is a mechanism for doing so."<ref>[http://news.dot-nxt.com/2013/02/27/atallah-responds-industry-ange Atallah Responds Industry Anger, News.Dot-nxt.com] Retrieved 25 March 2013</ref> The move was decried as a power grab and a shift away from the multistakeholder model by many ICANN constituents, and the [[RySG|Registry Stakeholder Group]] expectedly reacted very negatively. Mr. Chehadé signaled in a speech to the [[ANA|Association of National Advertisers]] that he was not going to back off this point,<ref>[http://domainincite.com/12359-chehade-to-play-hard-ball-over-unilateral-right-to-amend Chehade to Play Hard Ball Over Unilateral Right to Ammend, DomainIncite.com] Retrieved 25 March 2013</ref> and had noted in a video posted to his blog that this point has the potential to delay the implementation of New gTLDs.<ref>[http://blog.icann.org/2013/03/new-gtld-milestones-and-deadlines/ New gTLD Milestones and Deadlines, Blog.ICANN.org] Retrieved 25 March 2013</ref>

==Career History==

==Career History==

Chehadé has more than 25 years of experience in founding and leading progressive Internet businesses. He served most recently as the CEO of Vocado (October 2010 - October 2012), a firm providing cloud-based software to the administrations of educational institutions. Prior, he was CEO of CoreObjects Software (April 2009 – August 2010), a leader in new product software development services for both large and growing companies. In his time there, he oversaw the company's growth to more than 400 employees and its acquisition by Symphony Services. From February 2006 until March 2009, Fadi served as the General Manager of [[IBM]]'s Global Technology Services in the Middle East and North Africa Department, following IBM's acquisition of his company, Viacore Inc. He founded Viacore, a B2B process integration hub, in February, 2000. From February 1998 until February 2000, he served as the Founder and CEO of RosettaNet, a non-profit multi-stakeholder company that lead major international corporations including IBM, Microsoft, HP, Nokia, and Oracle, to collaborate on B2B standards. From July 1996 until February 1998, Chehadé served as the Vice President of Ingram Micro. In 1988, he founded Connectica Inc. and served as its CEO for 8 years. He began his career as a Systems Engineer at [[AT&T]]'s Bell Labs.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/chehade-en.htm Fadi Chehadé | President and CEO]. ICANN.</ref><ref name="linkedin">[http://www.linkedin.com/in/fadichehade Fadi Chehede]. LinkedIn.</ref>

Chehadé has more than 25 years of experience in founding and leading progressive Internet businesses. He served most recently as the CEO of Vocado (October 2010 - October 2012), a firm providing cloud-based software to the administrations of educational institutions. Prior, he was CEO of CoreObjects Software (April 2009 – August 2010), a leader in new product software development services for both large and growing companies. In his time there, he oversaw the company's growth to more than 400 employees and its acquisition by Symphony Services. From February 2006 until March 2009, Fadi served as the General Manager of [[IBM]]'s Global Technology Services in the Middle East and North Africa Department, following IBM's acquisition of his company, Viacore Inc. He founded Viacore, a B2B process integration hub, in February 2000. From February 1998 until February 2000, he served as the Founder and CEO of RosettaNet, a non-profit multi-stakeholder company that leads major international corporations including IBM, Microsoft, HP, Nokia, and Oracle, to collaborate on B2B standards. From July 1996 until February 1998, Chehadé served as the Vice President of Ingram Micro. In 1988, he founded Connectica Inc. and served as its CEO for 8 years. He began his career as a Systems Engineer at [[AT&T]]'s Bell Labs.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/chehade-en.htm Fadi Chehadé | President and CEO]. ICANN.</ref><ref name="linkedin">[http://www.linkedin.com/in/fadichehade Fadi Chehede]. LinkedIn.</ref>

===Education===

===Education===

==Personal Background==

==Personal Background==

Mr. Chehadé was born in Beirut of  Egyptian parents who had lived in various parts of the world before they settled in Lebanon. His family is from a Coptic Catholic minority in Egypt, and he identifies as such. In Beirut, he attended a French Catholic school, speaking French at school and Arabic afterwards, until at the age of 13 his father decided to send him to Damascus due to violent tensions and the Lebanese civil war. He arrived in the U.S. at the age of 18 without knowing any English; his first job, which he retained for 7 months, was peeling onions. During this time he was also attending school to learn English. Later, his tuition at Stanford was covered by a work-study agreement with his employer, [[AT&T]].<ref name="youtube"></ref>

Mr. Chehadé was born in Beirut of  Egyptian parents who had lived in various parts of the world before they settled in Lebanon. His family is from a Coptic Catholic minority in Egypt, and he identifies as such. In Beirut, he attended a French Catholic school, speaking French at school and Arabic afterward, until at the age of 13 his father decided to send him to Damascus due to violent tensions and the Lebanese civil war. He arrived in the U.S. at the age of 18 without knowing any English; his first job, which he retained for 7 months, was peeling onions. During this time he was also attending school to learn English. Later, his tuition at Stanford was covered by a work-study agreement with his employer, [[AT&T]].<ref name="youtube"></ref>

==Videos==

==Videos==

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[[Category: ICANN Board]]

[[Category:Former ICANN Board]]