About Internet Society 27 August 2013

Michael Kende Joins Internet Society as Chief Economist

Veteran Economist Brings Deep Knowledge of Internet Economics and Emerging Global Trends to Internet Society

[Washington, D.C. and Geneva, Switzerland] – As the first Chief Economist of the Internet Society, Michael Kende has joined the organization to provide strategic insights into the economic dynamics of Internet issues, as well as current and emerging trends impacting the Internet. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Mr. Kende will be responsible for leading economic research and analyses and providing leadership on key Internet development, policy, market, and technology issues.

“We’ve worked with Michael over the years on numerous reports and studies, and we are delighted to bring his expertise into our organization,” said Karen Rose, Senior Director of Strategic Development and Business Planning at the Internet Society. “Michael’s extensive background working on Internet issues in academic, government, and consulting markets makes him the ideal candidate for this role. His experience working on regulatory, operational, and market issues in all regions of the world spans a broad range of topics, including Internet governance, interconnection, Internet exchange points, and mobile and fixed broadband deployment.”

Mr. Kende was previously a partner at Analysys Mason, a global consulting firm, where he led the Policy and Regulatory sector and was responsible for developing its Internet practice. During the past several years, Mr. Kende authored a number of papers for the Internet Society, including a study of the impact of IXPs in Kenya and Nigeria and improving Internet connectivity in Africa.

Kende commented, “The Internet Society is well known and highly respected for advocating for the fundamental principles of the open Internet. I am excited to add a new dimension to the organization and to support its important work in advancing issues focused on the growth and sustainability of the Internet.”

Mr. Kende has a Ph.D. in Economics from MIT. After MIT, he spent five years as a professor of Economics at INSEAD in Paris before joining the Federal Communications Commission. At the FCC, Kende was the Director of Internet Policy Analysis, where he was responsible for managing a wide range of policy analyses and regulatory decisions on Internet policy, broadband deployment, and mergers. Mr. Kende is a dual Swiss and U.S. national and speaks English, French, and German.

About the Internet Society
The Internet Society is the trusted independent source for Internet information and thought leadership from around the world. With its principled vision and substantial technological foundation, the Internet Society promotes open dialogue on Internet policy, technology, and future development among users, companies, governments, and other organizations. Working with its members and Chapters around the world, the Internet Society enables the continued evolution and growth of the Internet for everyone. For more information, visit www.internetsociety.org.

Media Contact: Wende Cover, [email protected], +1-703-439-2773

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