Profile
Over 20 years of experience in the internet environment as architect and technical manager in various roles. More than 15 years of experience as Board member in various companies and associations.
• Managing international divers and distributed teams
• Experience with managing operational and engineering teams for global IP Networks
• Leading the hard and software engineering teams for servers and network equipment
• Defining and executing AKAMAI’s Technology vision and future
• Extensive experience in founding, operating and governing Internet Exchanges
• Regular speaker on international conferences, IX meetings and Universities
• Extensive experience in leading and governing boards and organisations
Professional
AKAMAI Technologies, Munich – August 2008 – present
Vice President Technology
• Heading the Technology Department (200+ people) including: Network Architecture, Network Engineering, Datacentre Architecture and Hardware Architecture for Akamai.
• Defining and executing AKAMAI’s Technology vision
• Representation of AKAMAI at international industry conferences
• Technical representation towards Regulators, Internet Governance, etc.
TeliaSonera International Carriers, London – June 2007 – July 2008
Global IP Peering Manager
• Managing the technical peering (IPv4, IPv6, multicast and GRX) of AS1299
• Providing strategic advice and training to the sales and product management departments
• Managing the relationship to peer and customer network representatives on a global scale
• Representing TeliaSonera at international conferences (Nanog, Ripe, Global Peering Forum, etc)
• Optimising the capacity management and process for peering
• Engineering projects: IPv6 rollout, IP Netflow based billing system
Easynet (BskyB Group), London – October 2006 – May 2007
GNOC Manager
• Building up a complete new GNOC (Global Network Operation Centre)
• Operating the global Easynet backbone and all local Easynet network interconnects including peering, transit and MPLS NNIs
• Member of the peering committee and a technical peering contact point for Easynet (AS4589).
• Contact person for vendors and suppliers I held service reviews and tracked our RMAs on a regular base customers and partners
Cable and Wireless Telecommunication Services, Munich, August 2001 – September 2006
Technical Operations Manager
• Managing the Tech Ops department including the NOC, 3rd Lvl Support, Network Security, IP Admin and DNS Team
• Member of the C&W Global Peering Committee and the technical contact for peering
• Representing C&W at NANOG, RIPE or Peering Forums
• Leader of the INXS (the oldest IX in Germany) Planning/Operations Team
Board Positions
ICANN, Los Angeles
Board Member – September 2022 – Present
http://www.icann.org/
RIPE NCC, Amsterdam
Executive Board Member – Chairman (since 2018), May 2011 – May 2023
http://www.ripe.net/
France-IX, Paris
President of the Board, Oct 2016 – January 20222
Co-Founder
https://www.franceix.net/
Amsterdam Internet Exchange,
Amsterdam Executive Board Member – Chairman (2010 – 2013), Dec 2007 – Nov 2013
http://www.ams-ix.net/
Skills
Languages
• German Native language
• English Fluent
Certifications
• 04/2014 Master of Science in Advanced Networking
• 11/2007 Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE #292)
• 08/2004 Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE #13780)
Last modified on January 31st, 2025 at 09:13
To echo what so many have said, I fully support CKs bid for re-election to the ICANN Board, his knowledge of the internet governance and architecture is extremely valuable and we need his knowledge and judgement on the Board as we navigate the challenges ahead.
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Chris for a Board position that leverages his extensive technical expertise in the internet architecture and engineering space. Having served alongside Chris on the ICANN Board for the past few years, I have consistently been impressed by his deep understanding of network operations, peering strategies, and global internet infrastructure; that is, apart from his very good sense of humor.
Chris’ background speaks for itself. With over 20 years of experience in architect and technical leadership roles at companies like Akamai Technologies and TeliaSonera, he has a proven track record of managing complex technical teams and projects. His experience leading organizations like the RIPE NCC and Amsterdam Internet Exchange further demonstrates his ability to navigate the technical intricacies of internet governance and operations. Chris’ fluency in both German and English makes him a valuable asset in any international technical environment.
I am confident that Chris’ technical capabilities and leadership experience would be a strong addition to the ICANN Board, and to any team, as a matter of fact. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Chris.
The ICANN Board provides strategic oversight to the ICANN organization, by overseeing the policy development process and ICANN governance in a dynamic internet ecosystem. Having dedicated board members – preferably with experiential knowledge – is essential. This is what Christian Kaufmann brings to the table. As an ICANN Board member, I have had the privilege to interact with Christian (CK). He is a dedicated colleague, who has served on critical ICANN committees and working groups. His technical understanding of the Internet’s technical layer, and his role as the Chair of ICANN’s Technical Committee, has enhanced the Board’s diversity in the governance of ICANN. I do not hesitate to support Chrisitan for 2025 ICANN Board Nominee Seat 10.
Christian’s extensive knowledge in the field, combined with his unwavering dedication, makes him an exemplary candidate for Seat #10. As we navigate a rapidly evolving Internet ecosystem, the continuity of experienced and dedicated leaders like CK is crucial. His re-election to the ICANN Board will ensure that we continue to benefit from his expertise, passion, and commitment to fostering a secure, stable, and resilient Internet for all.
I know Christian for more than ten years, during his time in the RIPE NCC board and recently in the ICANN Board.
He has a deep understanding of the technical complexities around ICANN topics, but also he understands the politics on every conversation, making the right questions. I’m convinced that ICANN will be benefited from CK time and wisdom.
So, I fully endorse his reappointment to the ICANN Board
I would like to support Christian’s candidacy for the board. I am a member of the noncommercial stakeholder group at ICANN and unfortunately many of the noncommercially aligned board members were not reappointed so would like to see what Christian can bring to fill in the gaps. I also think continuity on the board is needed so it makes sense to support CK for another term.
As vice-chair of the ICANN Board, I had the pleasure of working with Christian from when he joined the Board until the end of my term at the AGM in 2024. Christian is an exceptionally experienced leader with a profound understanding of the Internet’s technical layer. We collaborated on the Board Compensation Committee and the Board Strategic Planning Committee, where CK consistently proved to be a strong contributor. He articulated his views clearly and often played a pivotal role in guiding discussions toward successful consensus. His insights were frequently instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of complex topics and challenging groupthink. In personal interactions, CK demonstrates a great sense of humor, which enables him to build trust and foster strong working relationships with a diverse membership in a friendly and approachable manner.
In my view, CK is an invaluable board member, and I firmly believe that both the ICANN Community and the Board would greatly benefit from his selection for another term.
I had the privilege to work with Christian on the RIPE NCC board. It was a great pleasure to cooperate with him in his role of RIPE NCC chairman as he is a natural leader, experienced board member and very trustworthy person. He has unique expertise in the field of Internet infrastructure and Internet Governance. I can strongly recommend him for the ICANN board position again.
I had the pleasure of working with Christian on the RIPE NCC Executive Board. During this time he was first Secretary and later took over the position of Chairman. He was not only an excellent board member and consensus-seeking chairman, but also a great fellow and a source of invaluable knowledge about the Internet ecosystem. It is with great pleasure that I recommend him for another term on the ICANN Board.
Christian, popularly known as CK, and I joined the ICANN Board at the same time. He is a highly capable board member who brings a unique and complementary skill set essential for the effective governance of a complex organization like ICANN.
CK contributes a distinct perspective, not only on technical topics but also addressing broader board-level responsibilities. His insights add depth to policy discussions, enhancing the board’s ability to navigate critical issues.
As a strong leader, CK excels in steering discussions toward focused and productive outcomes, ensuring that deliberations are both effective and impactful.
CK is a valuable asset to the board, and I look forward to working with him in the future.
I have known Christian for 15 years through my role as CEO of Namex, the IXP in Rome. I am writing to support Christian’s candidacy for re-election to the ICANN board.
In addition to being a brilliant individual with vast expertise and experience in both technical fields and Internet Governance, Christian embodies the core values of the Internet that I share and believe should be represented on the ICANN board. These values include a decentralized, neutral, and community-driven Internet.
Christian has always been an active member of the Internet community, and I am confident that his contribution in the upcoming term on the ICANN board will be of great value.
Maurizio Goretti
Namex CEO
I have worked with Christian these last years as a member of the ICANN Board and all I can say is that he is an asset to the ICANN Board.
Christian’s professionalism and insights enrich our discussions and deliberations in a refreshing way. His knowledge of the numbers community and his commitment to it has helped bridge the gap that seemed to exist in the past years between the names and the numbers communities.
His ethics are the highest and his willingness and availability to always collaborate and help others is one thing I most appreciate in him.
I fully endorse his work as a Board member and truly hope he is reappointed for another term as the value he brings to the ICANN Board is very high.
Leon Felipe Sanchez Ambia
ICANN Board Director
As Chair of the APNIC Executive Council, I am pleased to express my strong support for Christian Kaufmann’s re-election to the ICANN Board.
Christian’s three years on the ICANN Board have been marked by his outstanding leadership and commitment to bridging the number resource and domain name communities. His ability to foster collaboration and constructive dialogue among diverse stakeholders has been invaluable.
As the former Chair of RIPE NCC, my counterpart in Europe, Christian brings a wealth of experience in global Internet governance. His proven track record of integrity, strategic insight, and effective leadership has made him a respected figure within our community.
Re-electing Christian would provide continuity and an opportunity to build on the significant progress achieved under his stewardship. His vision and dedication make him uniquely qualified to continue serving ICANN and the global Internet community.
I wholeheartedly endorse Christian Kaufmann’s candidacy and encourage others to support this capable and trusted leader.
Sincerely,
Kenny Huang
Chair, APNIC Executive Council
I have known Christian for many years and experienced him as a member of the RIPE NCC board. He did an excellent job as chair of this board for many years. Christian has a broad background, especially in the business world and the technical community. In particular his knowledge of ASO related topics (IP addresses, RIRs, network operations) are very valuable and useful to have on the ICANN Board. I also appreciate his involvement as a liaison to the ASO AC and would strongly recommend him for another term on the ICANN Board.
I’ve worked with Christian in the RIPE NCC board. His professionalism and his way of working make him a very suitable candidate. Apart of that he has a wide background experience in the internet field. I can highly recommend him for this position.
I have known Christian for more than 15 years and it’s my pleasure to nominate him for the ICANN Board position.
Christian has strong in-depth knowledge on how Internet works, this includes understanding on underlying building blocks from different aspects, e.g. technical, policy, economics, governance, relationships etc.
He could always make smart decisions to solve issues at global and all-round levels, as he has solid experience in various Internet communities positions.
I would strongly recommend him as he is passionate for building a better Internet.
Kams Yeung, Executive Council members of APNIC