IGF 2024 High-Level Track

Kurt Erik “Kurtis” Lindqvist is a seasoned technology executive and business leader who became President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) on 5 December 2024. With more than 30 years of experience in engineering and business development of Internet Service Providers, Internet Exchange Points, and global network carriers, Kurtis has dedicated his career to advancing the stability, security, and accessibility of the Internet. 

Prior to joining ICANN, Lindqvist served as CEO of the London Internet Exchange (LINX), a leading operator of worldwide interconnection services, from 2019 to 2024. Prior to this he was CEO of Netnod from 2002 to 2015. Lindqvist also chaired the European Internet Exchange Association (Euro-IX) from 2003 to 2020, which underscores his long-standing leadership in Internet infrastructure organizations. 

Linqvist has been a leading voice in Internet governance and technical development. He served on the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) and led working groups within the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and RIPE, where his efforts helped shape critical Internet standards and policies. Additionally, he has advised the Swedish government on Internet governance, broadband policy, and other key areas, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. 

Lindqvist studied Computer Science at Uppsala university, Sweden, and holds an Executive MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland.