Ashwin serves as chief innovation and information officer (CIIO) at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).  ICANN operates the global Internet’s Domain Name Service (DNS), allocates Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, accredits generic top-level domain (gTLD) name registrars, and facilitates the voice of volunteers worldwide who are dedicated to keeping the Internet secure, stable and inter-operable. ICANN helps develop Internet policy globally, and is responsible for executing and implementing policies developed by the ICANN community and adopted by the ICANN Board.

Ash has had a challenging career-arc of 25+ years, with a primary focus on managing Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), especially all aspects of the Internet.  Before starting with ICANN, he served Edwards Lifesciences as CIO.  Prior to that, Ash served as a CIO-strategy consultant with the Bank of America (bofa.com).  Before that, he was a general manager with Wal-Mart (walmart.com).  Prior, he was CIO of Conexant Systems, a spin-out from Rockwell International (Modem chip-sets).  Ash’s foundational career was with AST Computer, a division of Samsung (PCs).

Ash is a Certified Corporate Director from the Anderson School at UCLA.  He serves on the Boards of Directors and advisors of a handful of young and nimble companies.  He also serves on the Boards of Advisors of the UC Irvine Center for Digital Transformation; and the Chapter Board of the American Red Cross (Orange County, CA).

Ash has authored 2 book in the field of Technology management:  “Tomorrow’s CIO” @2008 – Insightful Group; and “The C-Suite CIO” @2015 – Outskirts Press.  He is a sought-after Keynote speaker.

Ash has a master’s degree in industrial engineering and management from NITIE in Bombay, India; and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the Bangalore University, India.  He is highly accredited:  by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS); the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP and ISACA); and the International Standards Organization (ISO).  Ash is a long-standing member of the International MENSA.