APTLD Welcomes the New General Manager

As a result of a very competitive and rigorous executive search and selection process the APTLD Board of Directors has appointed Ms.Phavanhna DOUANGBOUPHA as the Association’s new General Manager,  effective January 1st 2025, commencing her term in office as  Shadow GM, to succeed Mr. Leonid Todorov, who, as previously announced, will retire and step down by mid-February 2025 after 10 years as GM.

Phavanhna brings unique experience, having spent more than a decade in the industry and the public sector. For nearly a decade, she has served on senior executive positions in several key departments of the Ministry of Technology and Communications of Lao P.D.R. and other government agencies, including the Planning and Cooperation Division at the Lao National Internet Center (LANIC), where she played a pivotal role in promoting the .LA ccTLD.

Her leadership extended regionally as Chair of the ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADGSOM), the 1st ASEAN Cybersecurity Coordinating Committee (Cyber-CC), the ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators’ Council (ATRC), and Vice Chair of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Management Committee.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering (with Honors) from University of Newcastle, Australia, and master’s degree in Information Technology (with Global Leadership Certificate) from Rochester Institute of Technology, USA. 

Phavanhna is based in Vientiane, LAO P.D.R. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Phavanhna as the new GM APTLD,” said Ai-chin LU, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her extensive record of service in the region-wide organizations and experience in the public sector will be instrumental as she will be leading APTLD through its next phase of growth. I am confident that her background, personality, energy, and drive will take APTLD to new heights as we continue to execute on our Internet for All strategic statement leveraging our Membership’s collective wisdom and commitment. I want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Leonid for the transformative years of APTLD under his leadership, propelling the Association to undisputed leadership across the industry. I am also very pleased that Leonid agreed to continue as GM until the end of APTLD87 in mid-February 2025 and that he will be working with Phavanhna on an orderly transition into 2025.”

Phavanhna shared, “I am honored to join and to serve APTLD at this crucial moment for the domain name industry in the Asia-Pacific. With its diverse and collaborative community representing both public and private sectors, APTLD is uniquely positioned to lead meaningful initiatives in the region. I am dedicated to promoting inclusivity, driving innovation, and fostering growth as we build on APTLD’s legacy to unlock greater opportunities for the future.”