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The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is pleased to announce that after an extensive International search, the selection of an Ombudsman has been completed. Frank Fowlie joins ICANN as Ombudsman effective immediately.

A native of Canada, Mr. Fowlie brings 20 years of experience to the position as an Ombudsman and conflict resolution specialist, having operated in various agencies of the Canadian government and the United Nations.

Consistent with his independent status, the Ombudsman will have his own separate offices, as well as access to ICANN's offices in Marina del Rey, USA, and Brussels, Belgium.

The principal function of the Ombudsman shall be to provide an independent internal evaluation of complaints by members of the ICANN community who believe that the ICANN staff, Board or an ICANN constituent body has treated them unfairly. The Ombudsman shall serve as an objective advocate for fairness, and shall seek to evaluate and where possible resolve complaints about unfair or inappropriate treatment by ICANN staff, the Board, or ICANN constituent bodies, clarifying the issues and using conflict resolution tools such as negotiation, facilitation, and "shuttle diplomacy" to achieve these results.

The Ombudsman's first order of business will be to develop, with community feedback, an operational framework and contact mechanisms.

The Office of the ICANN Ombudsman is established by Article V of the ICANN Bylaws http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#V.

For media enquiries about this announcement, please contact press@icann.org.