Wikimedia Foundation Board Appoints Lorenzo Losa its first Chair-Elect

At its December 11, 2024 meeting, the Board of Trustees approved Lorenzo Losa as its Chair-Elect, based on the Executive Committee recommendation, and will ratify this appointment at an upcoming meeting. Currently, Lorenzo serves as the First Vice Chair of the Board, while Kathy Collins serves as the Second Vice Chair. The Vice Chairs step in during an absence of the Chair. The Board appointed Lorenzo and Kathy at its March 2024 board meeting.

Lorenzo became a trustee in December 2021 and was re-selected in 2024. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of the Product and Technology Committee and as a member of the Executive and Governance Committees. He previously was a member of the Audit Committee. 

As part of governance and organizational best practices, the Wikimedia Foundation has spent more time in the past year focused on responsible succession planning at all levels. In terms of the Board of Trustees, this has involved advance planning to identify the next Chair of the Board after Nataliia Tymkiv, the current Chair, finishes her term as both Board Chair and trustee later this year.

“Identifying a Chair-elect early means that they have more time to transition into the leadership role. They can start onboarding, learn about the duties of the Board Chair, and develop closer relationships with the leadership team at the Foundation. This is a new practice for the Foundation Board, and we hope to continue improving the functioning of the Board.”

– Kathy Collins, Vice Chair of the Wikimedia Foundation Board

Given that the current Chair’s nine-year tenure will end in 2025, this appointment as Chair-Elect will support a more effective transition process in line with governance best practices. The duties of the Chair Elect will range from helping the board chair to learning more about the board’s operations to preparing for leadership roles and transitions. 

“I believe that all organisations should think about succession planning, especially for leadership positions. It allows everyone involved to have a clear understanding of the upcoming changes, from the Chair-elect to the entire Board, the CEO and the Foundation. Succession planning is also included in the Affiliate Health Criteria adopted by the Affiliations Committee last year, so I hope more organisations across the Movement will start practicing it.”

– Nataliia Tymkiv, Wikimedia Foundation Board Chair

The Board will host its next Open Conversation with Trustees on January 30 and is always available to answer questions.