Richard Kirkendall to resign as CEO of Namecheap (6.Viewing)

Richard Kirkendall

@namecheapceo123
·
5h
Hey everyone — I’ve seen a few of you wondering why I updated my handle. I’m in the middle of transitioning to a new one.

Why the change?

As part of the sale to our partners at CVC, I decided early on that I did not want to remain CEO. I’ve led this company for more than 25 years of my life, and it felt like the right time to take a step back.

I’ve been an entrepreneur for most of my adult life, and frankly, I’m a bit of a rebel — I’m just not built to report upward.

That said, when I made this decision, I strongly recommended that my longtime partner on this journey, Hillan Klein, who has been our COO for the last 12 years, step into the CEO role. He’s been an exceptional partner and leader, and I have absolute confidence in his ability to take the company to the next level. He’s also deeply part of our DNA, which mattered a lot to me.

So what will I do?

I’m not fading into the sunset. I still love this company, and I’m still the largest private individual shareholder — so I care deeply about what happens next.

My focus will be on our customers and on continuing to build our products alongside our engineering and product teams. As Chief of Strategy and Innovation, I’ll also continue working closely with Hillan on defining our future path and growth.

I’m especially focused on accelerating the momentum we’ve started with Spaceship, and applying those learnings and technologies to Namecheap so our flagship continues to thrive.

I’ll still be here — just in a better place for me, doing what I love most: building, and staying as close as possible to our customers.

Onwards and upwards.

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