#USA #Los Angeles #ICANN #Internet Governance #NomCom

ICANN's Appeal for Business Leaders

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has initiated its search for accomplished business leaders to join its esteemed board of directors, as announced by the nomination committee, known as NomCom. This call for applicants is pivotal as the new board members will commence their terms at the ICANN annual conference in October 2026, serving until the next conference in 2029.

The Role of ICANN

ICANN is instrumental in maintaining the coordination of unique digital identifiers essential for a stable and secure internet. It ensures that the vast online ecosystem continues to meet the needs of over six billion global users. With an annual budget of approximately $150 million and employing more than 450 staff worldwide, ICANN’s board is responsible for providing strategic oversight, policy direction, and fiduciary governance over this non-profit organization.

Looking for Visionary Business Leaders

NomCom's primary objective is to fill two board positions with individuals who can bring fresh perspectives to the board's activities. They are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated success in complex international environments and possess a robust understanding of large-scale management challenges.

Ideal candidates are those who have experience serving on boards of organizations comparable to ICANN, alongside a strong commitment to public service and global collaboration.

Who Should Apply?

NomCom is on the lookout for accomplished individuals exhibiting the following qualities:

• - Integrity and Ethical Leadership: A reputation for sound judgment, strategic thinking, and thoughtful decision-making.
• - Executive Management Experience: Leadership roles within businesses or non-profits, ideally with accountability for governance, finance, strategy, or risk management at a corporate level.
• - Board Experience in Non-Profits: Familiarity with fiduciary responsibility and consensus-building in mission-driven organizations.
• - Understanding of ICANN’s Role: Knowledge or significant interest in the internet infrastructure and ICANN's mission within the global internet ecosystem.
• - Cultural Awareness and Diversity: An ability to work effectively across various regions, languages, and cultural contexts, and a commitment to enhancing the board's global representation and diversity.

While expertise in internet technologies is beneficial, it is not a prerequisite. ICANN welcomes candidates from diverse industry sectors who can apply business discipline, strategic oversight, and best governance practices to a technical and political landscape.

Commitments and Expectations

Board members devote approximately 20 hours each week to their ICANN responsibilities. This includes participating in six board workshops and three public ICANN meetings annually, as well as ongoing work among board committees and community engagement across multiple time zones.

Why Business Leaders Should Consider This Opportunity

Tom Barrett, Chair of the NomCom, emphasized, “Joining ICANN’s board presents a unique opportunity for individuals to leverage their governance and strategic expertise for global good.” ICANN operates at the crossroads of technology, policy, and international cooperation, with board members influencing decisions that impact the security, stability, and resilience of the internet — a crucial resource for governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide.

James Gannon, the elected chair of NomCom, added, “A strong governance background in both profit and non-profit sectors enhances ICANN's capacity to operate responsibly and efficiently. We seek leaders who exhibit both governance capabilities and collaborative spirit.”

How to Apply

Detailed information regarding the application requirements, commitments, and expectations can be found on the NomCom webpage. Applicants may submit their proposals via the dedicated application page. The deadline for submissions is set for February 18, 2026. All assessments by NomCom are conducted confidentially, adhering to ICANN’s bylaws and commitment to transparency and diversity. Selected candidates will take their positions at the ICANN annual meeting in October 2026.

About ICANN

ICANN’s mission is to guarantee the stability, security, and unification of the internet. To connect with another individual online, one must input an address, name, or number on a computer or device. This address must be unique to enable computers to pinpoint its location. Founded in 1998, ICANN is a non-profit public benefit corporation that brings together a global community of stakeholders. For further details, visit ICANN's official website.