# Fadi Chehadé

> Information technology executive

**Wikidata**: [Q536854](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q536854)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fadi_Chehadé)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fadi-chehade

## Summary
Fadi Chehadé is an information technology executive and computer scientist known for his leadership roles in global internet governance. Born in Beirut in 1962, he holds citizenship in the United States, Lebanon, and Egypt. He is most recognized for serving as the President and CEO of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) from 2012 to 2016.

## Biography
- **Born:** 1962, Beirut
- **Nationality:** United States (citizen since 1986), Lebanon, Egypt
- **Education:** New York University Tandon School of Engineering; Doctoral advisor: Isam Shahrour
- **Known for:** Serving as President of ICANN; Senior Adviser at the World Economic Forum
- **Employer(s):** Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), World Economic Forum, Abry Partners, Chehadé & Company
- **Field(s):** Information Technology, Computer Science
- **Languages:** Arabic, English, French, Italian

## Contributions
Fadi Chehadé has held significant leadership positions in the technology sector, most notably as the President of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). His tenure began on July 1, 2012, succeeding Rod Beckstrom, and concluded on March 1, 2016, when he was succeeded by Göran Marby. During this period, he also served as the organization's Chief Executive Officer.

Beyond ICANN, Chehadé has contributed to global policy and digital economy discussions through the World Economic Forum (WEF). He served as a Senior Adviser for the System Initiative on Shaping the Future of Digital Economy and Society. His involvement with the WEF includes participation in Annual Meetings from 2013 through 2018. In the private equity sector, he has acted as a Partner at Abry Partners. As of 2019, he was recognized as the Chairman of Chehadé & Company.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Fadi Chehadé's role at ICANN?
A: Fadi Chehadé served as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ICANN. He held this position from July 1, 2012, to March 1, 2016.

### Q: What languages does Fadi Chehadé speak?
A: Fadi Chehadé speaks, writes, and signs Arabic, English, French, and Italian.

### Q: What is Fadi Chehadé's educational background?
A: He was educated at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. His doctoral advisor was Isam Shahrour.

## Why They Matter
Fadi Chehadé matters significantly to the field of internet governance due to his stewardship of ICANN during a critical period of the organization's history. As President and CEO, he led the organization responsible for coordinating the internet's global domain name system and IP addresses. His leadership bridged the gap between technical operations and international policy, evidenced by his repeated participation in the World Economic Forum's Annual Meetings. His career trajectory demonstrates a blend of technical expertise—as a computer scientist—and high-level executive management across non-profit and private equity sectors. His role as a Senior Adviser on the future of the digital economy further solidifies his influence on how global digital infrastructure evolves.

## Notable For
- **ICANN Leadership:** Served as President and CEO of ICANN for a definitive four-year term (2012–2016).
- **Global Citizenship:** Holds citizenship in the United States, Lebanon, and Egypt.
- **World Economic Forum Influence:** Acted as Senior Adviser for the System Initiative on Shaping the Future of Digital Economy and Society.
- **Multilingualism:** Proficient in four languages (Arabic, English, French, Italian).
- **Private Sector Leadership:** Served as a Partner at Abry Partners and Chairman of Chehadé & Company.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Fadi Chehadé was born in Beirut in 1962. He pursued higher education in the United States, attending the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. During his academic career, he completed doctoral studies under the supervision of Isam Shahrour.

### Career at ICANN
Chehadé's most prominent public role was with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). He assumed the position of President on July 1, 2012, taking over from Rod Beckstrom. His tenure as CEO lasted until March 1, 2016, ending with the appointment of Göran Marby as his successor. An interview regarding his tenure is preserved in the ICANN History Project.

### World Economic Forum and Advisory Roles
Chehadé has maintained a strong presence in global economic forums. He is affiliated with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and has served as a Senior Adviser. His participation in WEF events includes:
- **Annual Meeting 2013:** Attended as CEO of ICANN.
- **Annual Meeting 2014:** Attended as CEO of ICANN.
- **Annual Meeting 2015:** Attended as President and CEO of ICANN.
- **Annual Meeting 2016:** Attended as President and CEO of ICANN.
- **Annual Meeting 2017:** Attended as Senior Adviser.
- **Annual Meeting 2018:** Attended as a Partner at Abry Partners.

### Private Sector Activities
In addition to his non-profit work, Chehadé has been active in business. He was identified as a Partner at Abry Partners in 2018. By 2019, he was listed as the Chairman of Chehadé & Company. He also maintains a presence as a TED speaker.

## References

1. Davos 2014 Participant List
2. [Source](https://www.theses.fr/1991LIL10100)
3. general catalog of BnF
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Davos 2013 Participant List
7. Davos 2015 Participant List
8. Davos 2016 Participant List
9. Davos 2017 Participant List
10. Davos 2018 Participant List
11. Global Conference 2019 - Speakers
12. Quora