May, 2002 : Lynn to Retire in 2003; McLaughlin to Go Half-Time

Marina del Rey, California USA (27 May 2002) ICANN President and CEO Stuart Lynn has announced his intention to retire from the position with ICANN effective around March 2003. He informed the Board of his plans this past weekend to ensure that the Board had ample time to organize and conclude a search for his successor, and to enable an orderly transition.

Lynn came out of retirement in March 2001 to assume his current post under a two-year contract. "I immensely enjoy my position and working with my colleagues and the community to accomplish ICANN's mission," Lynn said in his announcement, "But this is a 7 day-a-week, 24 hours-per-day job and I now need to pay attention to my personal life and health."

Andrew McLaughlin also announced that he will be resigning as Vice President and Chief Policy Officer effective July 1, 2002. He will be returning to Harvard Law School's Berkman Center for Internet & Society, but will continue to work for ICANN in a half-time capacity to facilitate a smooth transition. McLaughlin has been part of ICANN's efforts since early 1999 as a senior adviser, staff member, and Vice President. He has played a key role in supporting the ICANN Board to establish its policy agenda and the institutional framework for ICANN.

ICANN Board Chairman Vint Cerf stated that "The ICANN Board is understandably disappointed with this news, but appreciates and sympathizes with the reasons behind both announcements. Both Stuart and Andrew have made extraordinary contributions to ICANN. We are relying on them both to continue their diligent work on ICANN's behalf until these transitions have run their full course." Cerf announced that the Board will organize a search committee to start seeking Lynn's replacement.