[council] CEO Roundtable II: The Registries

[Glen de Saint Géry <Glen@xxxxxxxxx>]

http://blog.icann.org/2013/02/ceo-roundtable-ii-the-registries/

CEO Roundtable II: The Registries

by Fadi Chehadé on February 5, 2013

On Monday, I was very pleased to host more than a dozen leaders from the 
registry community; participants in our latest CEO Roundtable series focused on 
key issues and trends within the Domain Name System sector.

Over the course of a day, we discussed the evolution of the DNS sector from a 
number of perspectives and explored the opportunities and risks that these 
changes pose. The group provided constructive ideas about creating a platform 
for growth, innovation, and greater consumer and investor awareness. Research 
analysis, the creation of an infographic depicting the DNS ecosystem, and 
mechanisms to educate the media and public about the DNS sector were also 
highlighted.

In short, we addressed common goals, shared responsibilities and the value of 
raising awareness among consumers worldwide of the DNS sector, affirming our 
commitment to the public interest. I also expressed my hope and vision for a 
strengthened and streamlined business contracting framework between ICANN and 
its contracted parties.

While the topic of the roundtable was not the new gTLD program, I was asked to 
clarify recent comments I made at the ICANN Registry and Registrar meeting in 
Amsterdam. I took the opportunity to reassure everyone that:

 *   ICANN remains focused on the new gTLD timeline, and I am confident that we 
can do so without comprising ICANN's deep, immovable commitment to the 
stability of the DNS.

 *   We do not foresee any delays of the new gTLD program, we are working to 
assure that none occur, and the entire organization is pressing forward to 
comply with deadlines.

 *   We have assembled a team of qualified professionals, experienced in making 
complex programs fully operational, and they have my full confidence. Staff is 
working hard and it is important for the community to be aware of the intense 
demands placed upon them by the schedule.
 *   We will continue to increase the volume of communications pertaining to 
operational details of the new gTLD program, addressing both the technical and 
political risks encountered at various decision points.

 *   I will also endeavor to explain, to the extent possible, the trade-offs 
and various considerations being balanced during each implementation milestone 
of the new gTLD program.
I am grateful to the registry leaders for their candid, constructive feedback 
and look forward to continued dialogue as we host more CEO roundtables through 
the spring. Finally, I have asked past roundtable participants to consider 
participating in a DNS Summit meeting to serve as the culminating event for 
this series.

Glen de Saint Géry
GNSO Secretariat
gnso.secretariat@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://gnso.icann.org