The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced that it has selected security expert Rod Beckstrom as its new president and CEO. The announcement took place at ICANN’s 35th international meeting in Sydney, Australia.
“The importance of the Internet as a free flowing source of information is being underscored right now by the events in Iran,” said Beckstrom. “It shows the power of human expression through a free and open Net.”
Beckstrom used to be the Director of the U.S. National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC), where he is said to have formed an effective working group of leaders from the nation’s top six cybersecurity centers spanning the civilian, military and intelligence communities.
“Rod Beckstrom has exactly the sort of strong personal and technical background that ICANN needs, as we enter a period of unprecedented growth and change for the Internet,” said ICANN’s Board Chairman Peter Dengate Thrush. “In addition to his cyber security expertise, he’s been a successful CEO of a global enterprise, done NGO work and volunteer work and a bestselling author. It’s an extreme understatement to say we are enthused.”
Beckstrom has received quite a bit of praise from big names throughout the industry. For example, Google CEO Eric Schmidt says, “Rod’s extensive technical and commercial expertise is world class, and I can think of no one better positioned to lead ICANN’s critical mission as the Internet’s role in society continues to increase in scope and importance.”
Google’s Chief Internet Evangelist Vint Cerf says, “Rod Beckstrom is strikingly well-prepared to undertake a new role as CEO of ICANN. His experience in industry and government equip him for this global and very challenging job.” Cerf is widely known as the “Father of the Internet,” by the way.
The press release on the subject provides a larger list of quotes from industry professionals. Beckstrom seems to be a popular choice. Do you think he’s the right man for the job?
