Directory >> Key People in the Domain Name Sector >> ICANN and Other Institutions
The particular structure of ICANN, being participatory, open, and democratic, allows the most powerful interest groups to stay informed in real time about discussions and to exert influence. A few hundreds non-executive members participating in ICANN meetings and other domain name organizations structures mainly serve as lobbyists for companies and other groups of interests.
Among Tech Giants exerting influence at ICANN can be mentionned Google with Crystal Ondo, Meta with Mohamed el Bashir or Akamai with Christan Kaufmann. In the domain name sector, most of the largest private registries and registrars also have their representatives with key positions at ICANN, such as Keith Drazek for Verisign, James Bladel, Ashley Heineman and Sébastien Ducos for Godaddy, Owen Smigelski for Namecheap, Ashley LaBolle for Tucows and James Galvin for Identity Digital.
Other key individuals include Nigel Roberts (UK/Channel Islands) which defends ccTLD interests and has served on ICANN Board. Katrin Ohlmer and Dirk Krischenowski are German domain policy expert active in ICANN and other institutions, known for launching the .BERLIN TLD and promoting digital identity strategies for cities and regions.
Anil Kumar Jain is an Indian IT Figure, Jothan Frakes and Kristian Ørmen are long-time industry insiders who has worked with numerous registries and registrars, helping shape business models and registry strategies. Michele Neylon, CEO of the registrar Blacknight, is active in ICANN processes and known for his advocacy on behalf of registrars and small businesses. With extensive experience with ICANN and Nominet, Phil Buckingham and Ronald Schwärzler provides consultancy services, particularly in the new gTLD space.
Some figure like Paul Kane, a British domain entrepreneur known for his controversial role in managing the .IO TLD, or Fadi Chehadé (former CEO of ICANN) and Akram Atallah (former head of ICANN’s Global Domains Division and later CEO of Donuts) have moved between public-interest institutions and private domain companies in ways that raise legitimate concerns about conflicts of interest. Their transitions from regulatory roles into leadership positions at major industry players have sparked debate over transparency and governance integrity in the domain name ecosystem.