Europe’s internet registry wants governance ‘correction’ because its ‘Executive Board’ is not the executive

The European regional internet registry, known as RIPE NCC, is seeking to correct its governance structure due to a perceived disconnect between the formal organization and its actual operations. RIPE NCC oversees and distributes IP addresses and autonomous system numbers for 75 countries spanning from Greenland to Russia's eastern border, and has over 20,000 members.

Current governance features an "Executive Board" comprised of seven elected members, who are responsible for overseeing and directing the organization. However, the board's role is not as executive as the name suggests; instead, the CEO, referred to as the "Managing Director," holds the reins of day-to-day management. Despite this, the Executive Board holds the power to hire and fire the CEO.

The discrepancy between the formal structure and practical reality prompted the registry's Chief Legal Officer, Athina Fragkouli, to propose a governance overhaul. Fragkouli noted that the discrepancy had been highlighted after the Executive Board received governance training, bringing the issue to the forefront. The registry has now decided to formalize the governance structure rather than redesign it, presenting a proposal to the organization's members in the form of a "governance correction," rather than a fundamental reform.

The proposed correction would grant the CEO a vote in Board decisions, but it would not make the CEO independent of the elected Board. The Board would retain the authority to appoint and dismiss the CEO, as well as supervise their performance. The CEO's role would become more accurately defined, with the Board's responsibilities becoming clearer and their accountability more defined.

This exercise in good governance aims to remove ambiguity, clarify accountability, and simplify the way executive authority is exercised. The proposed changes will be published by September 30, giving members time to consider the matter before a General Meeting in late October, where the changes will be voted on.