Breaking: ICANN CEO Dr. Paul Twomey to Step Down in June 2009
This morning at the opening of the 34th annual ICANN meeting in Mexico City, ICANN CEO Dr. Paul Twomey announced that he will not seek another three-year term in that position and will instead step down in June 2009, though he will stay on for the remainder of 2009 to assist a transition.
In statement released moments ago, Twomey explained,
I’m delighted to have taken part in building ICANN’s role in assuring a stable and secure Internet. The Board has asked me to stay on after it appoints a successor to have a period of handover with the new appointee. During this transition period I shall be appointed to the new position of Senior President.”
Upon hearing the news of Twomey’s decision, “Father of The Internet” and 8-year chairman of the ICANN board, Vint Cerf said this of his long-time colleague:
I can think of no other person who has had more influence on the course of ICANN’s evolution than Paul. We owe him a great debt for long and faithful service and I owe him personal thanks for his counsel during my time on the Board. The Board will be challenged to find a worthy and capable successor.
