Speaker Bio
Jean-Jacques Sahel joined Google in November 2019. He leads Google’s public policy approach for telecom and scams globally, as well as for online content issues in Asia-Pacific.
He has been involved in international government and regulatory affairs for over 20 years in both the private and government sectors. Before joining Google, Mr Sahel was Managing Director of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)’s Brussels office and led the organisation’s corporate strategy and operations across the European region. He also led ICANN’s strategic plan for outreach, support and engagement with governments, private sector, and user groups throughout Europe, and worldwide for civil society.
Previously, Mr Sahel headed government and regulatory affairs for Skype, then digital policy at Microsoft for Europe, Middle-East & Africa regions. He had started his career in the City of London, before spending several years in the UK Government, leading in particular its international telecommunications policy.
Ex officio, Mr Sahel chaired the UK Chapter of the International Institute of Communications (IIC) from 2009-2019 and served on the IIC’s Board as Chair of its Strategy Committee until 2024. He was a member of OSAB, the Advisory Board of UK communications regulator Ofcom for 2 terms until 2016. He has authored articles and research in both mainstream media and academic publications particularly on Internet policy and governance.