(WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — Internet governing body ICANN (www.icann.org) is on the verge of announcing the new president and CEO, and many industry insiders point to Rod Beckstrom, the former US cybersecurity chief for the US Department of Homeland Security.
Citing two anonymous sources close to the ICANN discussions, both the Associated Press and The Australian published separate reports on Wednesday that Beckstrom would replace current ICANN head Paul Twomey.
Though the reports have not been confirmed by the organization, the board is expected to vote on the new president and CEO on Friday in Sydney, Australia.
According to the sources, Beckstrom has been attending some of the organization’s public sessions as well as been meeting privately with board members throughout the week.
If the board votes in favor of Beckstrom, he would replace Twomey, who became the organization’s CEO in March 2003.
Twomey, who turned down a three-year contract renewal with ICANN, will stay with the organization until the end of the year to help with the transition.
As the first director of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Cybersecurity Center, Beckstrom resigned in March, just less than a year after taking the position.
In his resignation letter, Beckstrom complained about the lack of money for the center and questioned whether the National Security Agency should control Internet-security efforts.
Beckstrom also previously served as chairman of Internet privacy technology firm Privada, has co-founded software companies and has co-authored four books.
ICANN hired executive search firm Egon Zehnder International to find a replacement for Twomey.
The firm received more than 100 applications for the presitigous position, as well as approached hundreds of other experienced candidates for the role.
The board interviewed with eight finalists before finally selecting Beckstrom, according to the individuals with knowledge of the talks.
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