W3C Advisory Committee Elects New Advisory Board Members for 2025 Term

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has announced the results of its 2025 election for the W3C Advisory Board (AB) — a key body shaping the strategic and procedural direction of the web's most foundational standards. Starting 1 July 2025, the following individuals will begin their tenure as newly elected AB members:

  • Daniel Appelquist

  • Theresa O'Connor

  • Hiroshi Ota

  • Avneesh Singh

  • Hidde de Vries

  • Song Xu

  • Brent Zundel

These new members join continuing AB participants:

  • Wei Ding

  • Max Gendler

  • Tatsuya Igarashi

  • Elena Lape

The election follows the conclusion of terms for Tantek Çelik, Elika J Etemad, Wendy Reid, and Chris Wilson, who will officially step down at the end of June 2025. In addition, Florian Rivoal had stepped down earlier in January 2025. The W3C community extends its gratitude to all departing members for their invaluable service and contributions.

What Is the W3C Advisory Board?

Established in March 1998, the W3C Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in the governance and strategic planning of the consortium. It provides guidance on key matters including:

  • W3C Strategy and Vision

  • Process evolution and improvement

  • Legal and administrative support

  • Conflict resolution within the consortium

  • Oversight of Formal Objections and Submission Appeals

While the W3C Team manages daily operations and technical working groups develop web standards, the Advisory Board (AB) operates as a strategic think tank and oversight body, helping maintain the W3C’s openness, inclusivity, and relevance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Transparent Governance in the Open Web Ecosystem

True to W3C's values, the Advisory Board conducts much of its work publicly, using a public wiki to document discussions, decisions, and proposals. This transparency fosters community trust and encourages collaborative input from across the global web ecosystem.

Notably, AB members serve as individual contributors—not as representatives of their respective employers or organizations. This independence ensures that decisions are guided by what’s best for the web at large, not by specific corporate interests.

Why the Advisory Board Matters

In an era marked by rapid digital transformation, AI acceleration, privacy concerns, and global regulatory shifts, having a well-functioning Advisory Board ensures:

  • Balanced governance that reflects a diversity of global and technical perspectives.

  • A responsive process framework that can adapt to new challenges and technologies.

  • Effective resolution of conflicts and objections, which are inevitable in a body as large and influential as the W3C.

The AB also works closely with the W3C Advisory Committee, representing member organizations worldwide, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of the web.

Looking Ahead

As the web enters a new chapter—defined by decentralized technologies, immersive media, and responsible AI—the elected AB members have a significant responsibility. Their stewardship will influence how W3C standards evolve to ensure interoperability, accessibility, privacy, and openness remain central to the web.

We congratulate all the newly elected members and thank those whose terms have concluded. The W3C Advisory Board's continuous renewal and dedication to principled leadership help keep the web open, inclusive, and powerful for everyone.

About W3C

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is the leading international standards organization for the web. Founded by web inventor Tim Berners-Lee, it brings together stakeholders from industry, academia, government, and the public to define technical standards that ensure the long-term growth of the web.

To learn more about the W3C Advisory Board, visit: https://www.w3.org

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