LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28, 2026 — The is currently open to applications for seats on the ICANN Board of Directors. Successful applicants will hold their positions starting at ICANN’s 2026 Annual Meeting in October 2026 and continuing through its 2029 Annual Meeting.

ICANN fulfills a vital function in sustaining the secure, stable coordination of the Internet’s unique identifiers—guaranteeing that the unified, interoperable Internet remains accessible to over six billion users across the globe. The ICANN Board of Directors offers strategic supervision, policy guidance, and fiduciary stewardship for this international nonprofit, which boasts an annual operating budget of roughly $150 million and a global workforce of more than 450 employees.

A Call for Business Leaders With a Global Outlook
The NomCom, responsible for filling two Board seats, is inviting applications from seasoned business leaders who can bring new viewpoints to the Board’s activities. Those who have thrived in intricate, global settings and grasp the complexities of large-scale management are urged to apply.

Top candidates should have prior Board experience at organizations similar in size and scope to ICANN, along with a deep dedication to public service and global cooperation.

Who Should Apply
The NomCom seeks accomplished individuals who demonstrate:

• Integrity, Objectivity, and Strategic Thinking: A track record of sound judgment, ethical leadership, and deliberate decision-making.
• Executive Management Experience: Senior leadership positions in business or nonprofit entities, preferably with organization-wide oversight of governance, finance, strategy, or risk management.
• Nonprofit Board Experience: Knowledge of fiduciary responsibility, consensus-building, and strategic supervision within mission-focused organizations.
• Knowledge of ICANN’s Role: An understanding of—or keen interest in—the Internet’s infrastructure and ICANN’s purpose within the global Internet landscape.
• Diversity and Cultural Awareness: The capacity to collaborate successfully across regions, languages, and cultural backgrounds; a commitment to helping build a diverse, globally representative Board.

Though expertise in Internet technologies is beneficial, it is not mandatory; ICANN welcomes applicants from all industry sectors who can apply business rigor, strategic supervision, and best practices in governance to a technically and policy-oriented setting.

Commitment and Expectations
Board members dedicate around 20 hours per week to their ICANN duties. The role involves attending up to six Board workshops and three ICANN Public Meetings each year, ongoing involvement in Board committees and other group activities, and engagement with the ICANN community spanning various time zones.

Why Business Leaders Should Consider This Opportunity
“Serving on the ICANN Board gives individuals a one-of-a-kind chance to apply their governance and strategic expertise to the global common good,” stated Tom Barrett, Chair of the ICANN Nominating Committee. “ICANN functions at the crossroads of technology, policy, and international cooperation. Its Board members assist in guiding the decisions of this nonprofit, which impact the security, stability, and resilience of the Internet—a vital resource for most governments, businesses, and individual users around the world.”

“Robust governance experience from both for-profit and nonprofit sectors enhances ICANN’s capacity to operate responsibly and efficiently,” noted James Gannon, Chair-elect of the ICANN Nominating Committee. “We are seeking leaders who comprehend both stewardship and collaboration.”

How to Apply
Comprehensive details regarding requirements, commitments, and expectations can be found at the . The application form is accessible via the .

The deadline to submit an application is 18 February 2026.
Applications must be submitted by February 18, 2026. The NomCom carries out all evaluations confidentially, aligning with ICANN’s Bylaws and its dedication to transparency and diversity. Successful applicants will join the Board of Directors at ICANN’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in October 2026.

About ICANN
ICANN’s mission is to help secure a stable, safe, and unified global Internet. To connect with someone online, you enter an address—a name or number—into your computer or device. This address must be unique so devices can locate one another. ICANN aids in coordinating and supporting these unique identifiers globally. Established in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, ICANN has a community of participants from every corner of the world. For additional details, visit .

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