Anil Kumar Jain

Chairman, Universal Acceptance Steering Group

Anil Kumar Jain is an Engineering Graduate and Master in Business Administration by academics.

He was an ITS ( Indian Telecom Services) officer which is Top bureaucratic position in Telecom and Information Technology.

He served as chief Executive Officer of NIXI ( National Internet Exchange of India) and Chief General Manager of BSNL ( Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited).

He was chair of India Internet Governance Forum ( IIGF) from 2021-2023.

At ICANN, currently he is Chair of UASG ( Universal Acceptance Steering Group) of ICANN.

He was vice chair of IDN ccTLD WG4 and also Vice Chair of IGLC ( Internet Governance Liaison Group).

He is member of ISPCP. He is member of PHR( Pilot Holistic Review) team and also member of LD PDP WG at present.

Owen Smigelski

Head of ICANN Compliance and Relations, Namecheap

Owen Smigelski has been Head of ICANN Compliance & Relations since 2018 at Namecheap, the world’s second largest domain name registrar. At Namecheap, Owen is active in the ICANN Community and policy groups, and serves as the Chair of the Registrar Stakeholder Group (RrSG). Prior to Namecheap, Owen was at ICANN Contractual Compliance for seven years where he oversaw registrar compliance. Before joining ICANN, Owen was a trademark attorney for ten years, and became involved in ICANN in 2007 on behalf of INTA and the IPC.

Tran Tien Anh

Legal Executive, VNNIC

Tran Tien Anh currently works as Legal Executive at the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC), where he is involved in developing and implementing Internet Resources-related policies and legal frameworks, ensuring a safe, reliable Internet ecosystem that facilitates the Vietnam’s digital transformation. He also oversees the implementation of administrative procedures related to Internet resources (domain names, IP address,…) that are conducted by VNNIC.

Ronald Schwärzler

CEO, domainworx Service & Management GmbH

Ronald Schwärzler is CEO Director of punkt.wien GmbH and dotKoeln GmbH, operating the geographic top-level domains .wien, .koeln, and .cologne. A long-standing expert in the global domain industry, he focuses on Universal Acceptance and the digital representation of city identities. He also serves as Treasurer of the geoTLD.group, an international association representing geographic TLDs. Prior to his work in the domain sector, Schwärzler held senior roles in the Austrian media industry, including Online Director at ORF and Managing Director of major newspaper digital platforms. His professional strengths lie in digital infrastructure, internet governance, and smart city development. He is a regular speaker at international conferences and industry forums. Ronald Schwärzler is based in Vienna.

Saysomvang Souvannavong

Deputy Director General, LANIC

Saysomvang Souvannavong is the Deputy Director General of the Lao National Internet Center (LANIC), Ministry of Technology and Communications. He joined LANIC in 2012.

With over a decade of experience in the ICT sector, Saysomvang has been instrumental in driving key initiatives within LANIC. His contributions encompass a wide range of areas, including:

• Policy and Regulatory Framework: Drafting and implementing policies, regulations, legislations, and development plans related to the ICT sector.
• Domain Name System Management: Managing the registry systems for the Country Code Top-Level Domain Name (ccTLD .LA), developing the Lao Script Label Generation Ruleset for the Root Zone, and overseeing the delegation of Internationalized Domain Names (IDN .ລາວ).
• Network Infrastructure Development: Leading the establishment of the National Internet Exchange (NIX), International Internet Gateway (IIG), and National Internet Data Center (NIDC).
• Digital Security Enhancement: Establishing the National Root Certificate Authority (NRCA) for e-Signature using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

Tripti Sinha

Board Chair, ICANN

Tripti Sinha is Assistant Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at the University of Maryland (UMD) in the Division of Information Technology. She leads Advanced Cyber Infrastructure and Internet Global Services (ACIGS) and the Mid-Atlantic Crossroads (MAX). She has over three decades of progressive experience in Internet and Cyber-Infrastructure technologies. Her wide-ranging experience includes leadership positions in engineering, operations, finance, governance, advocacy, and policy. In her current role, she is the chief executive of the MAX, which operates a high-performance regional research and education (R&E) 100G network for advanced cyber-infrastructure services and research. She is also responsible for UMD’s High Performance Computing service and strategy, and is involved in the field of quantum networking technologies and related innovations.  Tripti is active internationally as the executive and operational head of UMD’s global operation of DNS root services. She previously served as Co-Chair of ICANN’s Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC) from 2015-2018.

In the United States, she is very involved in the Internet2 community on activities related to the US national R&E Internet backbone. She is also Chair of the Board of Directors of The Quilt whose mission is to provide advocacy for research and education networking on the US national agenda. She has served on many other non-profit and private sector technology advisory boards.

Tripti has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts and did graduate work in Computer Science at the University of Maryland. She was born in India and lives in the United States. As a child and young adult, she moved back-and-forth between the USA and India which gave her an appreciation for global pluralism. She is proficient in English and Hindi, and has an understanding of Punjabi, Urdu and the ancient Sanskrit language. Tripti has a keen interest in Information and Communication Technology innovation, entrepreneurship, governance and policy, and international affairs. Tripti was nominated to serve on the ICANN Board of Directors by the Nominating Committee in 2018.  Her term will expire at the Annual General Meeting 2027.

James Galvin

SSAC Liaison to ICANN Board

Dr. James Galvin has over three decades of experience in secure and robust operations in all aspects of networking and the life cycle of a domain name, including the DNS. He currently serves as Identity Digital, Inc. Director of Strategic Relationships, applying this experience to the development of technical standards and policies in support of strategic initiatives to advance secure and robust operations. James began his career in 1989 developing Internet Standards in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) for secure email, secure network management, and DNS security, which are still applicable and in use today. He continues to be an active participant in the IETF where he currently serves as Co-Chair of the Registration Extensions Protocols Working Group. He has been part of ICANN’s Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) since 2002, and served as its Vice Chair for seven years until December 2017.

Gordon Dick

Registry Services Specialist, Nominet

Gordon Dick is a seasoned Registry Services Specialist at Nominet with 30-years of industry experience as a registrar, registry operator and registry services provider at the heart of the DNS for some of the world’s largest brands. 

He currently sits as an alternate member of the IANA Customer Standing Committee overseeing the internet’s DNS root zone manager and works closely with ICANN to manage Nominet’s Emergency Registry Backend Operator (EBERO) service to support failing gTLD registries to protect registrants.

Passionate about fostering a secure online environment, Gordon actively partners with the UK government and customers to implement robust domain security measures at both the DNS and parent registry levels.

Phil Regnauld

President, DNS-OARC

Phil Regnauld is the President of DNS-OARC (OARC, Inc.), a nonprofit member organization dedicated to advancing awareness, stability and understanding of the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). Appointed in January 2024, he brings over two decades of experience in network engineering and capacity building, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Among his past roles, he has been a collaborator at the University of Oregon’s Network Startup Resource Center, working to help ccTLDs build competence on DNS and registry operations. As an independent contractor, he was on the technical advisory board of AFNIC, the .FR domain registry, and more recently, was involved with ICANN’s KINDNS initiative. His goals at DNS-OARC include expanding global engagement and membership, and giving the organization a role in identifying and evaluating DNS operational best practices.

Heather Diaz

VP, Compliance and Policy, fTLD Registry, LLC

Heather Diaz is a seasoned expert in compliance, risk management, and policy development. As Vice President, Compliance and Policy at fTLD Registry Services, she provides strategic leadership for the exclusive top-level domain extensions .Bank and .Insurance.

Heather leads initiatives to enhance security compliance, and ensure they continue to offer innovative online and email security solutions for banks, insurers, producers, and their customers.

Passionate about creating a secure digital ecosystem, Heather actively supports technical initiatives aimed at bolstering trust in these domains and within the DNS.

Connect on LinkedIn at: Heather Diaz

Fatema Akbar

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, American University of Bahrain (AUBH)

Dr. Fatema Akbar is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the American University of Bahrain (AUBH), where she is committed to enhancing computer science education and mentoring the next generation of professionals. She has incorporated the ICANN curriculum on universal acceptance of internationalized domain names into AUBH’s Computer Science program. Her research has appeared in leading journals and conferences and has been highlighted in U.S. media outlets such as The New Yorker and EHR Intelligence. Dr. Akbar earned her Ph.D. in Informatics from the University of California, Irvine, an M.Sc. from the University of Oxford, and a B.Sc. from Carnegie Mellon University.

Huynh Ngoc Duy (Jay)

CEO, Mat Bao Corporation

Mr. Huynh Ngoc Duy is the CEO of Mat Bao Corp, bringing with him many years of experience leading one of the top digital infrastructure and digital transformation solution providers in Vietnam. In his role as CEO of a leading registrar, he directs Mat Bao’s strategy to focus on creating a unique service experience, enhancing support processes, and improving user care, rather than merely competing on price.

Additionally, he aims to develop domain name applications across various platforms, such as E-Namecard and online CVs, to enhance the diversity of application platforms. This initiative is designed to support young people and newly established businesses in establishing a more accessible presence in the online environment.

Le Hai Binh (Benson Le)

Chairman, AXYS Group (formerly Mat Bao Group)

Binh is currently the chairman of AXYS GROUP (formerly Mat Bao Group) and the founder of Mat Bao Corp, a provider of essential Internet infrastructure services such as domain names and hosting during the early days of Internet popularity in Vietnam. Under his leadership and that of his associates, Mat Bao Corp has become one of the leading digital transformation service providers in the country, as well as one of the registrars with sustainable and significant growth in the number of registered domains in Vietnam.

He has also held many important positions in other social organizations in Vietnam such as: Vice President of Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM), Vice President of 2030 Entrepreneurs Club, Executive Committee of Information Security Association, etc.

Joyce Chen

Senior Advisor – Strategic Engagement, APNIC

Joyce Chen is APNIC’s Senior Advisor for Strategic Engagement. She is responsible for managing key relationships with stakeholders such as governments, intergovernmental organisations, and the wider Asia Pacific Internet community. Joyce is also involved in expanding APNIC’s capacity development and outreach efforts.

Joyce is active in public policy discussions at the local, regional, and global platforms. She is passionate about Internet access and development, as well as finding opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation and partnerships.

Joyce was appointed by the UN Secretary-General to be a member of the 2021-2023 Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) with the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). She serves on the IGF Support Association (IGFSA) Executive Committee. She is a member of the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG), the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), and APAC Cyber Policy Network (APCEN).

Jaco du Toit

Chief of Section, Universal Access to Information and Digital Inclusion

Jaco du Toit has an academic background in information sciences, political sciences, information for development, communication and telecommunication and media and international relations.  He has worked on projects related to knowledge society development, Right to Information laws and the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals, disabilities and Information and Communication Technologies and multilingualism and linguistic diversity.   He previously held the position of Chief of the Universal Access to Information and Digital Inclusion Section at the Communication and Information Sector of UNESCO.  Before that he was a Programme Specialist, providing support to the UNESCO Information for All Programme and served as regional adviser for UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector in Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and North Africa.

Jo-Fan Yu

Managing Director & CEO, TWNIC

Jo-Fan Yu is a public policy advocate and an experienced lawyer with a demonstrated history of working in the internet industry and international law firm. She has an extensive experience especially in data protection, consumer protection, content regulation, antitrust, telco regulation, cybercrimes, and IP-related issues. Jo-Fan also regularly advises government on internet-related issues. She is currently the Managing Director and CEO of Taiwan Network Information Center.

Experience：

• Executive Director, TWIGF
• Supervisor, TWNIC
• Supervisor, AmCham Taiwan
• Chairwoman, IP and Innovation Commission of Taipei Bar Association
• Partner, Baker McKenzie
• Head of Public Policy and Government Relation, TW and HK, Google
• Prosecutor, Supreme Prosecutor’s Office, Kaohsiung Prosecutor’s Office, and New Taipei Prosecutor’s Office

Sarmad Hussain

Senior Director, IDN and UA Programs, ICANN

Sarmad Hussain is with ICANN’s Internationalized Domain Names (IDN) and Universal Acceptance (UA) Programs. Earlier, Sarmad was a professor of Computer Science and held the IDRC Chair position in Multilingual Computing. His research has focused on developing computing solutions for Asian languages, including research in linguistics, localization, speech processing, and computational linguistics. He was an active member of the ICANN community before joining ICANN – he was engaged in the IDN ccTLD application for Pakistan, and was a member of ICANN’s Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC).

Carrisa Tehputri

Artificial Intelligence & Tech Policy Consultant

Carrisa Tehputri is a technology policy and cybersecurity professional with a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a BA from New York University. Specializing in international security, AI safety, and regulatory advisory, she has led and supported projects on cybersecurity enforcement, tech regulation, and counterterrorism across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In roles at SAP, 10a Labs, and Next Peak, she has conducted comprehensive research, built compliance frameworks, and delivered actionable insights. As an ICANN NextGen Fellow, she presented “Enhancing DNS Security in Asia Pacific” in Istanbul in November 2024. Passionate about nurturing leaders in Internet governance, she blends academic research with practical experience to foster innovative policy solutions and global collaboration. At the APAC DNS Forum, she will moderate a session on “Building Next Generation Leaders in the Internet Governance Ecosystem,” advancing resilient, inclusive digital leadership.

Nguyen Truong Giang

Deputy Director General, VNNIC

Mr. Nguyen Truong Giang has years of experience in researching, designing, building, managing, and developing Internet services, networks and security systems. He also contributes to the development of technology communities.

In 2022, he was appointed Deputy Director of Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC), in charge of public engineering. technology, management, operation, and development of important national Internet systems (VNIX national Internet exchange station, national DNS system), VNNIC’s service and security systems.

Nguyen Hong Thang

Director General, VNNIC

Mr. Nguyen Hong Thang is one of the pioneering officers of the Viet Nam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC). He plays an important role in building, developing the entire technical system of Viet Nam National NIC, including important national Internet infrastructure systems (national DNS domain name server system “.vn” and Viet Nam National Internet Exchange – VNIX). He has implemented many projects to ensure safety, reliability, and sustainability for Vietnam’s Internet activities, such as: Deploying DNSSEC standards for the DNS system “.vn”; promoting IPv6 transition in Vietnam’s Internet; deploying RPKI to ensure Vietnam’s Internet routing security.

In 2018, Mr. Nguyen Hong Thang was awarded the title “IPv6 Hall of Fame” for his contributions to promoting the development and application of IPv6 globally.

Louis Houle

President, UQBM (Un Québec branché sur le monde/Quebec Connected to the World)

Louis Houle is the President of UQBM (Un Québec branché sur le monde/Quebec Connected to the World), an organization founded in 2008 to provide Internet access in underserved Quebec communities. He holds a Bachelor degree in Communications, certificate in Journalism, studies in Computing and Public Administration (Mastery level) with 30 years experience in the Quebec Government. In addition, Louis has served as President of the Internet Society Canada–Quebec Chapter for ten years, contributing to initiatives that support Internet development and accessibility. As a member of NARALO, he also served for two years on the NomCom. Louis joined the board of the registry PointQuebec in 2016.

Nguyễn Minh Tuấn

Senior Associate, Vriens & Partners’

Tuấn is a Senior Associate at Vriens & Partners’ Hanoi office where he supports clients’ policy research, analysis, and strategic planning needs. He joined the firm in 2019, bringing years of multi-industry experience in the public and private sector. With a background in consultancy, retail management, and academic research, he brings a broad range of experiences and cross-sector understanding to the firm’s work.

At Vriens & Partners, Tuấn manages a portfolio of clients across different sectors, some of which are top global and regional tech firms (both in terms of software development and hardware manufacturing); strategize with clients’ cross-functional teams to resolve policy issues; advise clients’ leaders at country, regional, and global level on potential impacts of new policies/regulations. He helps drive initiatives, lead, and coordinate teams to develop and implement government affairs strategies to help clients maintain a positive standing with the Government, navigate and advocate to resolve public policy and government affairs issues to advance clients’ strategic goals, mitigate risks and crisis, and resolve operational issues in Vietnam.

Tuấn completed his BSc in Economics and Finance and MSc in Development Economics, both from University of York (UK). He also holds a Master in Public Administration from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.

Pensri Arunwatanamongkol

Executive Director, THNIC Foundation

Pensri Arunwatanamongkol’s internet journey began in 1990 at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, where she started working with “.th” domain names. Since the launch of the Thai Network Information Center, THNIC, in 1991, Pensri has served as their technical contact for “.th,” demonstrating her long-standing commitment. Her passion lies in making domain names, email addresses, and digital identities work for Thai and all languages, a concept known as internationalization. Today, she leads the team at the THNIC Foundation as the executive director.

Samiran Gupta

Vice President, Government and IGO Engagement, APAC and Stakeholder Engagement, South Asia, ICANN

Samiran is Vice President, Government and Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) Engagement for the APAC region, and Stakeholder Engagement South Asia.

Before rejoining ICANN in October 2023, Samiran was Senior Director of Global Government Affairs for India and South Asia with Twitter/X Corp. Samiran previously served as ICANN’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement in South Asia from September 2014 until February 2022.

Samiran brings an extensive business strategy and public policy consulting background in sectors including telecom, entertainment, fintech, e-commerce, social media, and energy and renewables.

Samiran has a Master’s in Business Administration from St Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, United States of America, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calcutta, India.

Jennifer Chung

Vice President, Policy, DotAsia Organisation

Jennifer Chung is the Vice President, Policy for DotAsia Organisation. She represents .Asia Registry at ICANN and is a GNSO councilor. She headed the ICG Secretariat that oversaw the IANA stewardship transfer from the US government to the global multistakeholder community.

Ms. Chung is appointed to the IGF MAG (2025, 2018-2020), and the 2022 Expert Working Group that developed recommendations on strengthening the IGF. She heads the IGFSA Secretariat which provides support to the IGF and grants to National, Regional and Youth Initiatives. She serves in the APrIGF Secretariat and amplifies APAC contributions on Internet governance.

Ms. Chung is on the ISIF.asia Committee that awards grants supporting Internet development in APAC.  She is in the core Secretariat of TCCM, a group of critical Internet infrastructure operators dedicated to strengthening the multistakeholder approach to Internet governance. She works on IDN policies and supports  Universal Acceptance, a foundation for a multilingual Internet.

Theresa Swinehart

Senior Vice President of Global Domains and Strategy, ICANN

Theresa Swinehart is the Senior Vice President of Global Domains and Strategy. In this role, she works with the community, contracted parties, stakeholders, and policymakers to ensure broad and inclusive engagement, consensus-based policymaking through ICANN’s multistakeholder model, and effective, accountable policy implementation. Her team’s responsibilities include policy implementation and cross-functional strategic initiatives such as ICANN’s work on the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation. Universal Acceptance, and Internationalized Domain Names.

An expert in global Internet governance, with long-standing expertise and engagement in multistakeholder processes, Theresa also serves as co-deputy to the President and CEO. Her extensive industry experience, including nearly 20 years as a key contributor to ICANN’s growth and development, gives her a valuable perspective on how the ICANN organization can work efficiently and collaboratively to better serve the global Internet community.

Theresa rejoined ICANN after three years as Executive Director of Global Internet Policy at Verizon Communications, where she specialized in emerging issues as well as stakeholder and policy engagement. Prior to this, she served as ICANN’s Vice President of Global and Strategic Partnerships, leading a team responsible for partnership reform, global engagement and outreach, and participation in international forums. Before ICANN, Theresa was Director of Global E-Commerce at MCI, where she was responsible for such issues as Internet service provider liability, data protection, and participation in Internet-related forums, including the formation of ICANN.

Theresa has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of California, Davis, a graduate degree in international studies from the University of Vienna, Austria, and a juris doctorate from American University. She served on the Internet Society’s Board of Trustees and Internet Governance Forum’s Multistakeholder Advisory Committee. Theresa began her career in international human rights. She is fluent in German and is conversant in French.

Ian Sheldon

Director, Internet Governance, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, Australia

Ian Sheldon is the Director of the Internet Governance team, in the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. Ian is the Australian GAC representative at ICANN, and covers a breadth of Internet related issues across various fora, including ICANN, APNIC, IGF and the ITU. Ian has a depth of experience across both private and public sectors, and has worked on a range of public policy issues, including research, strategy and foresighting, telecommunications, and employment and workplace relations. Ian currently co-chairs the GAC Operating Principles Evolution working group and Commonwealth GAC group, and co-facilitates the APAC GAC group.

Pitinan Kooarmornpatana

IDN Programs Sr. Manager, ICANN

Pitinan Kooarmornpatana joined ICANN in August 2017 and serves as an Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) Programs Senior Manager. Her role focuses on facilitating various script communities to develop Label Generation Rules proposals for the root zone and for references at the second level. She also supports IDN-related policy developments at ICANN. Pitinan is passionate about enabling the effective and efficient use of information technology for everyone through technology localization.

Alban Kwan

Head of Corporate Development and Strategic Alliances, APAC, CSC

Alban Kwan is the Head of Corporate Development and Strategic Alliances, APAC, CSC. He has been with CSC’s Digital Brand Services business and affiliated companies since 2009. Alban has developed a deep understanding of online brand protection, digital assets management, and cyber security, specifically for the Asia-Pacific region, and he advises top global and local companies. Alban frequently engages with local policy makers and is often invited to speak at conferences, where he shares his invaluable insight on brand protection, security, and local policies affecting businesses.

Kenny Huang

TWNIC Board Chair and APNIC EC Chair

Dr. Kenny Huang is a leading figure in Internet communities across Asia. Since the early years of Taiwan’s Internet development, he has contributed significantly to building a better Internet environment in Taiwan. Due to his extensive knowledge and experience, he has been invited to take up leading roles in many Internet organizations, including APNIC executive council chair, TWNIC board chair, and PIR board director (.org registry).

Dr. Huang’s contributions are particularly acknowledged in the development of Internet technology. He is one of the authors of IETF RFC3743, co-chair of ICANN CGP (Chinese LGR for the root zone), chair of ccNSO ccPDP4 WG, and advisory council member of DotAsia.

Dr. Huang has also been deeply involved in digital policy in Taiwan. He is a consultative committee member of the ICDF (International Cooperation and Development Fund), committee member of the telecommunications universal service fund of MoDA, committee member of the critical infrastructure protection program of the Executive Yuan, advisory committee member of the cybercrime prevention center of the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, and an ICT expert of NSTC (National Science & Technology Council).

Dr. Huang holds a Ph.D. in MIS from National Chengchi University, an MSc in Scientific Computing from South Bank Polytechnic London, and a BEng from Tamkang University.

Kok-Tin Gan

Partner, Cyber Security and Privacy, PwC

Kok-Tin is a Partner in PwC’s Cyber Security & Privacy practice with over 17 years of experience.  Kok Tin is also the founder of PwC’s Darklab, Hackaday and Hackbot. Kok Tin is currently the Vice Chairman of ITSMf HK Chapter and the member of security committee of Fintech Association of HK.

Kok-Tin’s key areas of expertise and experience include Cyber security strategy, framework, IT security framework (ISO27001, NIST, Multi Level Protection), application security (OWASP, OWASP Mobile) and data security (e.g., PCI DSS), secure development life cycle, DevSecOps, Cloud security, IT risk, security / technology architecture and white hat hacking.

Kok-Tin has led ~300 small to large size of security assessment / transformation engagements and has worked across different continents including, Asia, America, Europe and Africa.

Kok Tin is a TED talk speaker and he also founded a dot.com company during his early days of his career.

Kurt Erik “Kurtis” Lindqvist

President and Chief Executive Officer, ICANN

Kurt Erik “Kurtis” Lindqvist is a seasoned technology executive and business leader who became President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) on 5 December 2024. With more than 30 years of experience in engineering and business development of Internet service providers, Internet Exchange Points, and global network carriers, Lindqvist has dedicated his career to advancing the stability, security, and accessibility of the Internet.

Prior to joining ICANN, Lindqvist served as CEO of the London Internet Exchange (LINX), a leading operator of worldwide interconnection services, from 2019 to 2024. Prior to this, he was CEO of Netnod from 2002 to 2015. Lindqvist also chaired the European Internet Exchange Association (Euro-IX) from 2003 to 2020, which underscores his long-standing leadership in Internet infrastructure organizations.

Lindqvist has been a leading voice in Internet governance (IG) and technical development. He served on the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) and led working groups within the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and RIPE, where his efforts helped shape critical Internet standards and policies. Additionally, he has advised the Swedish government on IG, broadband policy, and other key areas, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors.

Lindqvist studied Computer Science at Uppsala University, Sweden, and holds an Executive MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Siôn Lloyd

Principal Security, Stability & Resiliency Scientist, ICANN

Siôn joined ICANN in 2020 and works in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) as a Principal Security, Stability & Resiliency Scientist.

Siôn has been involved with research into various different aspects of DNS Abuse, including looking at covid related registrations and understanding the third-party data used to track trends and understand the current DNS abuse landscape.

Prior to this role, Siôn spent over 20 years working at a ccTLD registry working on similar topics.

Champika Wijayatunga

Regional Technical Engagement Sr. Manager, ICANN

Champika Wijayatunga is the Regional Technical Engagement Sr. Manager for Asia Pacific at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). He is part of ICANN’s Office of the CTO and represents ICANN in Technical, Security, Law Enforcement and Capacity Building forums primarily in the APAC region.

Prior to ICANN, Champika held managerial, specialist, and liaison roles at Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) where he was instrumental in building the APNIC training unit and its capacity building program. Champika started his career with IBM Corporation as a technical specialist, and later worked in the IT industry, academia, research, and training environments. Champika has been regular speaker at various technical and security forums and also received a number of excellence awards during his academic and professional careers.

Champika holds a postgraduate degree in Computer Science & Engineering, as well as professional education qualifications in Cybersecurity. He also serves in various technical community groups and committees.

Marika Konings

VP, New gTLD Program Lead, ICANN

Marika Konings joined ICANN in July 2008. In her current role as Vice President, new gTLD Program, Lead, she provides leadership and direction over multiple tracks of organizational activities toward implementation of a subsequent round of ICANN‘s new gTLD Program.

Previously, she served the organization as Vice President, Policy Development Support. In this capacity she supported and coordinated cross-functional activities that aid the development of global policies that advance ICANN’s mission of preserving the security, stability, and interoperability of the Internet. In addition, she was responsible for providing guidance, direction, and advice to staff across the Policy function in achieving organizational objectives.

Prior to joining ICANN, Marika was Director of European Affairs for the Cyber Security Industry Alliance. Before that, Marika spent seven years as senior consultant for a Brussels-based public affairs consultancy, where she represented health care and technology clients. Marika is a Dutch national and has a degree from the University of Maastricht, the Netherlands, in Culture and Sciences and a Master’s Degree in European Political and Administrative Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.

Rowena Schoo

Director, Programs and Policy, NetBeacon Institute

Rowena is Director, Programs and Policy at the NetBeacon Institute. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked for Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, Nominet UK, and the UK government at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Rowena has over a decade of experience in and around policy, and holds two degrees – Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts (International Relations and Political Science) – from the Australian National University (ANU).

Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy

Director of Cooperation and Internet Resources Management Department, VNNIC

Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy hold a Master of Electronics and Communications industry from Hanoi University of Science and Technology. For 22 years working in the domain industry, she has earned variety experience in Internet resources management and development. She is the main contributor to the regulatory, compliance, dispute resolution and development policy of the .VN domain, as well as regulation and policy of NIR of Vietnam in the Asia – Pacific region.

She has initiated and contributed to projects that are good factors for “.VN” ccTLD to be one of the largest ccTLD in ASEAN with highest ccTLD registration, as well as helps Vietnam staying in the top 10th countries with the highest IPv6 deployment ratio. She is an active APTLD Board member, actively engaging in various international Internet forums and WGs to applifying the voice of the Asia Pacific region on Internet matters.

Pursuing the vision of “Internet for all”, Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy deeply engages to Internet community in the region, as well as ccNSO and ICANN community. She would like to contribute her unique solid experience in ccTLD development policy, together with technical knowledge to a stronger and robust community in Asia-Pacific as well as global.

Jacob Williams

General Manager, Domain Services, Interlink Co., Ltd.

Jacob Williams is General Manager of Domain Services at Interlink Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based Internet services provider, where he oversees operations, marketing, and policy for several top-level domains, including generic, geographic, and brand TLDs. He entered the domain industry in 2008, initially managing brand protection and domain disputes, including aftermarket acquisitions and UDRP cases for major Japanese companies.

Since becoming active in the ICANN community in 2009, Jacob has participated in multiple policy and industry discussions from both registrar and registry perspectives. He has managed several new gTLD applications through ICANN’s 2012 round, successfully leading the delegation of every major TLD category–Geographic, Community, Generic, Brand, and Specification 13. He also navigated two competitive contention sets to resolution.

With over a decade of hands-on experience across the domain lifecycle, Jacob brings a comprehensive, strategy-driven perspective to registry operations, policy implementation, and gTLD development in both corporate and community contexts.

Sean Bedford

Business Engineer, Meta

Sean is a Distinguished Business Engineer at Meta, based in London. His focus is on data and privacy and he helps businesses using the Meta platforms shape and define strategies on how to best use technology for advertising success. Sean additionally attends on behalf of Meta at several advertising and developer trade bodies including ISBA, the WFA, the IAB, and the W3C to contribute to what we believe the future of advertising technologies should look like.

Ebbie Wong

General Manager, WebNIC.cc

Ebbie Wong, General Manager of WebNIC.cc, brings over 19 years of experience in policy compliance, domain management, and digital brand protection. She is highly experienced in combating global domain abuse and safeguarding digital identities. Her current focus includes TLD governance, online brand monitoring, and digital brand transformation.

Vu Thi Hoan

DNS Specialist & Senior System Administrator, VNNIC

Ms. Vu Thi Hoan is a DNS specialist & senior system administrator, has worked at Viet Nam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) since 2016. She is currently in charge of administering the .VN National DNS server system. She has experiences in implementing DNSSEC and IPv6 standards and technology; training and consulting on DNS system implementation for Ministries, Sectors, and local Departments of Information and Communications.

Setu Bandh Upadhyay

Senior Advisor  – Policy & Advocacy, Internet Society

Setu is a policy professional with decade of experience in the Internet and Technology Policy sector. At Internet Society, Setu works on Policy and Advocacy issues across the globe with a focus on APAC region. Before joining the Internet Society, he worked on multi-stakeholder engagement at the Global Network Initiative, on policy advocacy at Global Voices, and conducted research for Mozilla and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for Internet & Society. Trained as a lawyer in India, Setu has a master’s degree in public policy from the Central European University.

Nguyen Van Tri

DNS Specialist and Senior System Administrator, VNNIC

I have been working as a DNS specialist and senior system administrator at the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) since 2015. With extensive experience in deploying DNSSEC and developing monitoring solutions, I am currently responsible for the system administration of the .VN country-code top-level domain (ccTLD). In my role, I ensure the stability, security, and efficiency of Vietnam’s national DNS infrastructure. Additionally, I am actively involved in researching, developing, and applying new technologies to enhance the security and resilience of the DNS system in Vietnam, contributing to its ongoing protection against emerging threats.

Nico Caballero

GAC Chair & Board Liaison, ICANN

Nico Caballero is a distinguished ICT & DNS expert, and current Chair of ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), the first Latin American to hold this role. As Paraguay’s ICT Adviser he has driven transformative initiatives, including Paraguay’s internet demonopolization, the ISDB-Tb digital TV standard, and the creation of SENATICS (now MITIC, Paraguay’s ICT Ministry). His leadership spans critical projects like the ICANN-SENATICS Memorandum of Understanding (2016–2017), the establishment of CEILAC DNS Center, and Paraguay’s civil satellite program, which led to the nation’s space agency.

A pioneer in digital governance, Nico founded ISOC Paraguay (2013), organized Paraguay’s first IGF meeting (2014), and spearheaded rural connectivity programs, among other things. His technical expertise includes DNS, AI/ML (MIT-certified), Digital Innovation (INSEAD Fontainebleau-certified) and electric vehicle technologies (Delft University). Currently, he advances global internet policy as ICANN GAC Chair.

Fluent in four languages and holding degrees in Computer Science (Universidad Autónoma de Asunción) and E-Government (Konkuk University), Nico combines technical acumen with cross-sector leadership. His multidisciplinary background – spanning AI, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development – positions him as a visionary in digital transformation.

Eleeza Agopian

Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, ICANN

Eleeza joined ICANN in 2014 and direct’s key programs and projects involving ICANN’s engagement in emerging strategic issues and related work. She comes to ICANN with experience in international development. She has led programs supporting independent media in the former Soviet states and the Middle East from Washington, DC. Previous to her international development career, Eleeza worked as a local government and military reporter in Southern California. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication from UC Davis. She speaks fluent Armenian, intermediate French and beginner Russian and Spanish.

Philip Paeps

Network and Systems Security Engineer/Trainer, NSRC

Philip Paeps (“Trouble”) is an independent consultant and contractor. He provides research and development on low-level software, network operations and infrastructure security. Philip has worked on operating system and application software running on HSMs, payment terminals, consumer electronics, industrial control systems and scientific instruments. He supports clients running critical internet infrastructure and widely deployed unconventional computing devices such as agricultural robots and signage for public transport. He has considerable operational experience with routing, security, DNS, DNSSEC and email.

Philip works with the RouteViews project and the Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC) to assist with network routing research, security and training. He is a regular presenter at numerous internet development and operations conferences around the world. In his so-called free time, Philip contributes to the FreeBSD project. He is a cluster administrator and the project’s postmaster as well as a member of the security-officer team. The best way to get in touch with Philip is by email.

Email

philip@trouble.is

PGP

0xBB6D8A14AFE7D96B

Akinori Maemura

Chief Policy Officer, Japan Network Information Center (JPNIC)

MAEMURA Akinori (前村 昌紀) is Chief Policy Officer of JPNIC – Japan Network Information Center, a not-for-profit Internet promotion body and National Internet Registry for Japan.

Maemura has more than 30 years of career and experience in the Internet technical operations and coordination. He was the technical lead of one of the first ISPs in Japan,and  got involved in the coordination among ISPs, starting from national level including the establishment of JANOG, the Network Operators’ Group of Japan, and IP address management at JPNIC, then his involvement expanded to the region, he served in the Executive Council of APNIC from 2000 to 2016, especially as the Chair since 2003, then in the Board of Directors of ICANN for six years until 2022.

Now he serves as a Board Director at JPCERT Coordination Center, and for Number Resource Organization’s Number Council (NRO NC).

Andrew Merriam

COO, Porkbun

Andrew Merriam is the COO of domain registrar Porkbun.com and formerly led new gTLD strategy at its parent company, Top Level Design. He played a central role in applying for 10 new gTLDs in ICANN’s 2012 round, launching four, acquiring one, and successfully exiting all five operated extensions: .design, .wiki, .ink, .tattoo, and .gay. As a lean, independent registry, Top Level Design developed direct-to-market strategies out of necessity—including launching Porkbun as a registrar purpose-built to support new TLDs. The portfolio ranged from the creative success of .design to the socially impactful .gay, which became the first domain extension to fund LGBTQ+ nonprofits through every registration. With over a decade of experience on both the registry and registrar sides, Andrew brings a strategic, holistic perspective to the evolving domain name landscape and the ongoing growth of new gTLDs.

Cai Qing

Chinese Domain Name Product Manager, CNNIC

Cai Qing, the Chinese domain name product manager of China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), has served as the product manager for the “.中国” domain name since 2015. Over the years, she has continuously promoted the development and application of Chinese domain names, including organizing the promotion of Chinese domain name products and technical seminars, carrying out cooperation on the application of Chinese domain name email with Coremail and China Telecom, and participating in the work of the Chinese Domain Name Initiative (CDNI) to optimize the application environment of Chinese domain names.

Since 2022, as the liaison of ccNSO to UASG and a member of ccNSO UAC, she has been involved in work related to Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs). In the past two years, Cai Qing has assisted CNNIC in applying for and successfully implementing the UA Awareness and Adoption events.

Imran Hossen

Managing Director, EyHost Ltd.

Imran Hossen is the Managing Director of EyHost Ltd., a leading domain name registrar and cloud hosting provider with operations across Bangladesh, Singapore, and other parts of Asia. With over a decade of experience in DNS infrastructure, cybersecurity, and internet governance, he actively contributes to the digital ecosystem across Asia. Imran is a member of ICANN’s Business Constituency and serves on several key working groups, including the SubPro Implementation Review Team and the Universal Acceptance Steering Group, where he is the Vice Chair of the Measurement Working Group. He has engaged with regulators like BTRC to support ccTLD development in Bangladesh and is passionate about bridging gaps between technical and policy communities. Imran regularly speaks at regional and global forums such as IGF, APTLD, and ICANN meetings.