ICANN CEO Paul Twomey steps down

Well here I am, sitting at home listening to the ICANN audio broadcast from Mexico. The 34th meeting is taking place March 1st to 6th, but unlike at the last two meetings, in Paris and Cairo, which I attended in person, I wasn’t able to attend this time.

ICANN President and CEO Paul Twomey held the opening speech - and announced that he will step down. He seems to be weary of slow progress at ICANN.

As Paul gave the speech at the HOTEL SHERATON CENTRO HISTORICO on the morning of Monday, March 2nd (local time), he showed two pictures of his daughter Eloise, pointing out how much she has grown while he has been with ICANN. It seems that while children grow fast, ICANN moves very slowly indeed, and Dr. Twomey must be sick of this.

Further information can be found at
http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-02mar09-en.htm

ICANN is looking at finding a new CEO by July 1st. I really wonder who will apply. And to be honest, after thinking about this for some time, I am not that surprised any more by Paul’s decision.

We all have to make bold moves now and then, and it was his turn this time.