We’re announcing today that Anne Jellema will move on from the Web Foundation by mid-2017 after five years as CEO. We are now starting a search process to identify Anne’s successor, which we expect to conclude in the first quarter of 2017.
In an email to staff, Sir Tim Berners-Lee said:
“When Anne took the reins in May 2012, the Web Foundation focused largely on ICT4D and operated out of one office (Boston). We had about seven passionate staff members and an annual operating budget of around $1.5m. Under Anne’s leadership, the Web Foundation has grown into a dynamic digital rights policy advocacy organisation with four hubs, 30+ team members, an operating budget of around $5m per year, a strong and growing reputation, and acknowledged leadership in vital areas such as internet affordability, gender rights online and open data. In the past five years, we have delivered ground-breaking research that has shaped debate and policies, built strong coalitions for action spanning the globe and changed policies and practices for the better in more than 10 countries. We are grateful to Anne for delivering this progress, and have no doubt she will succeed in whatever she puts her mind to next.
“Today, as a result of this work and our new strategy, the Foundation is better-placed than ever to build and move forward. What is more, the Board is more committed than ever to supporting you as we work towards our goal of digital equality.
In her letter to staff, Anne Jellema added:
It’s been a rare privilege to work with you to build an organisation that can translate the values of equality, openness and collaboration into action.
Our journey over the last 5 years has been very demanding, often exhausting, but always rewarding. And now together we have actually solved many of the challenges we set out to conquer. The Web Foundation is now a successful and stable organisation with growing influence and a hugely respected team, a track record of impressive results, and a trusted partner and valued ally to dozens of groups all over the world. I know and trust that you will keep the flame alive, so I’m approaching this transition in a very positive frame of mind.