Wikimedia Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Wikimedia Foundation has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, communications, and community engagement.

Driven by a mission to empower humanity through free knowledge, Wikimedia Foundation operates some of the world's most visited websites, fostering a global community dedicated to open access and collaborative learning.

Leadership Roles at Wikimedia Foundation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Bernadette Meehan
  • Group President, Wikimedia Community User (Sri Lanka) - Rehman Abubakr
  • President, Wikimedia LLC - Lane Becker
  • President - Shobowale Lekan
  • President - Carolin Geb
  • Chief of Staff - Nadee Gunasena
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Margo Lee
  • Chief Communications Officer - Anusha Alikhan
  • Bernadette Meehan - Chief Executive Officer

    Bernadette Meehan, the Chief Executive Officer at Wikimedia Foundation, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the organization's global free knowledge initiatives. Overseeing all departments, Meehan ensures alignment with the foundation's mission to empower humanity through accessible information. This leadership role involves driving innovation across Wikipedia and its sister projects, fostering community growth, and securing resources to sustain and expand these vital platforms. By championing open access principles, Bernadette Meehan guides the foundation's engagement with diverse stakeholders worldwide, including volunteers, donors, and technology partners. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on enhancing the reach and impact of Wikimedia's projects, ensuring their continued relevance and accessibility in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Meehan's strategic vision solidifies the foundation's position as a cornerstone of global information sharing.
    Bernadette Meehan

    Rehman Abubakr - Group President, Wikimedia Community User (Sri Lanka)

    Rehman Abubakr, the Group President, Wikimedia Community User (Sri Lanka) at Wikimedia Foundation, leads initiatives focused on empowering and expanding the Wikimedia community within Sri Lanka. Abubakr champions user engagement, fosters local collaboration, and advocates for the principles of free knowledge sharing within the region. This role is vital for understanding and addressing the specific needs and opportunities of the Sri Lankan user base, ensuring their active participation in Wikimedia projects. By cultivating local leadership and supporting community-driven content creation, Rehman Abubakr strengthens the foundation's global reach and impact. The Group President's focus on regional community development contributes directly to the diversity and richness of information available through Wikimedia's platforms, promoting knowledge accessibility in Sri Lanka.

    Lane Becker - President, Wikimedia LLC

    Lane Becker, the President, Wikimedia LLC at Wikimedia Foundation, oversees the strategic direction and operational management of Wikimedia's subsidiary operations. Becker drives initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability and growth of Wikimedia's technological infrastructure and service offerings. This executive position involves managing key business relationships, exploring new avenues for project development, and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to support the foundation's mission. By focusing on operational excellence, Lane Becker contributes to the robust functioning of the organization's various ventures. The President's leadership ensures that Wikimedia LLC effectively supports the broader goals of providing free, accessible knowledge to a global audience, driving innovation in digital information dissemination.

    Shobowale Lekan - President

    Shobowale Lekan, the President at Wikimedia Foundation, spearheads critical initiatives focused on community development and project expansion. Lekan drives strategies to enhance user participation and foster collaborative environments across Wikimedia's diverse platforms. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships and advocating for the principles of open knowledge, ensuring broad accessibility and contribution. By focusing on community empowerment, Shobowale Lekan strengthens the foundation's global network of contributors and users. The President's dedication to fostering inclusive participation is essential for the continued growth and relevance of Wikipedia and its sister projects, ensuring a vibrant ecosystem for free knowledge exchange worldwide.

    Carolin Geb - President

    Carolin Geb, the President at Wikimedia Foundation, directs strategic efforts aimed at advancing the organization's mission of providing free and open knowledge globally. Geb focuses on enhancing the operational frameworks that support Wikimedia's vast network of projects and contributors. This executive role involves fostering innovation in content creation and dissemination, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of information. By championing collaborative development, Carolin Geb strengthens the foundation's capacity to serve diverse communities worldwide. The President's leadership is instrumental in navigating the evolving digital landscape, ensuring that Wikimedia continues to be a trusted source of information and a platform for global learning and engagement.

    Nadee Gunasena - Chief of Staff

    Nadee Gunasena, the Chief of Staff at Wikimedia Foundation, manages strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the executive office. Gunasena coordinates cross-functional projects, ensuring seamless execution of key organizational priorities and facilitating communication between leadership and various departments. This role involves streamlining internal processes and supporting the Chief Executive Officer in driving the foundation's mission forward. By acting as a central point of coordination, Nadee Gunasena enhances the effectiveness of leadership decision-making and project implementation. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include preparing executive briefings, managing special assignments, and ensuring that strategic goals are translated into actionable plans. Gunasena's work directly supports the operational integrity and strategic advancement of Wikimedia's global free knowledge platforms.

    Margo Lee - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Margo Lee, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Wikimedia Foundation, provides critical support to the Chief of Staff and executive leadership in executing strategic objectives. Lee assists in managing complex projects, conducting research, and developing operational frameworks that enhance organizational effectiveness. This position involves coordinating efforts across multiple teams to ensure project milestones are met and that initiatives align with the foundation's core mission of disseminating free knowledge. By facilitating communication and workflow, Margo Lee contributes to the smooth operation of the executive office and the broader organization. The Deputy Chief of Staff's role is essential in translating high-level strategy into tangible operational outcomes, supporting the continuous growth and impact of Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects.

    Anusha Alikhan - Chief Communications Officer

    Anusha Alikhan, the Chief Communications Officer at Wikimedia Foundation, directs all external and internal communication strategies to amplify the organization's mission and impact. Alikhan oversees public relations, media engagement, and brand management, ensuring consistent messaging across global platforms. This leadership position is crucial for articulating the value of free knowledge and fostering positive relationships with diverse audiences, including the public, media, and partner organizations. By crafting compelling narratives, Anusha Alikhan enhances the foundation's visibility and support for its vital projects like Wikipedia. The Chief Communications Officer's responsibilities extend to managing crisis communications and promoting transparency, thereby strengthening trust and engagement with the global community. Alikhan's expertise ensures that the Wikimedia Foundation's story resonates worldwide.
    Anusha Alikhan

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wikimedia Foundation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Wikimedia Foundation?
    Wikimedia Foundation is led by Bernadette Meehan (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rehman Abubakr (Group President, Wikimedia Community User (Sri Lanka)) and Lane Becker (President, Wikimedia LLC).
    Who is part of Wikimedia Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Wikimedia Foundation includes leaders such as Bernadette Meehan (Chief Executive Officer), Rehman Abubakr (Group President, Wikimedia Community User (Sri Lanka)), Lane Becker (President, Wikimedia LLC) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Wikimedia Foundation have?
    Wikimedia Foundation has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Wikimedia Foundation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Wikimedia Foundation includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Group President, Wikimedia Community User (Sri Lanka), President, Wikimedia LLC, President, President.