Wikimedia Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

July, 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
  • President - Carolin Geb
  • President - Shobowale Lekan
  • Group President, Wikimedia Community User (Sri Lanka) - Rehman Abubakr
  • President, Wikimedia LLC - Lane Becker
  • 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 organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Overseeing global initiatives, Meehan ensures the continued growth and accessibility of Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. This leadership role involves guiding the foundation's mission to empower humanity through free knowledge. By fostering collaboration with diverse communities worldwide, Bernadette Meehan drives the expansion of open-access information resources. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on enhancing user experience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these vital digital platforms. Meehan's strategic vision shapes the foundation's response to evolving digital landscapes and information access challenges, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of global knowledge sharing.
    Bernadette Meehan

    Carolin Geb - President

    Carolin Geb, the President at Wikimedia Foundation, provides strategic leadership and governance oversight for the organization. Overseeing board relations and long-term organizational planning, Geb ensures the foundation adheres to its mission of empowering humanity through free knowledge. This role involves guiding the strategic direction of Wikimedia's global operations and community engagement initiatives. By championing initiatives that promote open access and digital literacy, Carolin Geb contributes to the expansion of knowledge accessibility. The President's focus includes fostering a sustainable environment for the continued growth of Wikipedia and its associated projects. Geb's leadership reinforces the foundation's commitment to providing reliable, free information to a worldwide audience.

    Shobowale Lekan - President

    Shobowale Lekan, the President at Wikimedia Foundation, drives strategic initiatives focused on community growth and platform development. Overseeing key programs that enhance user engagement and content creation, Lekan ensures the vitality of Wikipedia and its sister projects. This leadership position involves fostering collaboration with diverse global communities. By championing initiatives that support volunteer editors and knowledge contributors, Shobowale Lekan strengthens the foundation's core mission. The President's responsibilities include identifying opportunities for innovation and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources across projects. Lekan's efforts are instrumental in expanding access to free knowledge worldwide.

    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 local community engagement and content development within Sri Lanka. Overseeing the coordination of user groups and advocacy efforts, Abubakr ensures the representation and growth of the Wikimedia community in the region. This role involves fostering collaboration among local editors and promoting the principles of free knowledge. By driving projects that enhance content diversity and accessibility in Sri Lanka, Rehman Abubakr directly supports the foundation's global mission. The Group President's focus includes empowering local contributors and addressing region-specific challenges in knowledge sharing. Abubakr's work strengthens the foundation's presence and impact in South Asia.

    Lane Becker - President, Wikimedia LLC

    Lane Becker, the President, Wikimedia LLC at Wikimedia Foundation, directs strategic operations and business development for the foundation's commercial and operational arms. Overseeing key partnerships and revenue-generating activities, Becker ensures the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of Wikimedia's projects. This leadership role involves driving innovation in service delivery and expanding the reach of free knowledge initiatives. By managing critical business functions and fostering strategic alliances, Lane Becker supports the foundation's overarching mission. The President, Wikimedia LLC's focus includes optimizing resource allocation and exploring new avenues for growth. Becker's expertise is vital in navigating the complex landscape of digital information dissemination and ensuring the long-term viability of Wikimedia's global impact.

    Nadee Gunasena - Chief of Staff

    Nadee Gunasena, the Chief of Staff at Wikimedia Foundation, manages strategic projects and facilitates operational efficiency across departments. Overseeing key internal initiatives, Gunasena ensures alignment between executive directives and departmental execution. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to advance the foundation's mission of providing free knowledge globally. By streamlining communication channels and optimizing resource allocation, Nadee Gunasena supports the Chief Executive Officer's strategic objectives. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include driving process improvements and ensuring the effective implementation of organizational policies. Gunasena's work directly contributes to the seamless operation of Wikipedia and its sister projects, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to open access and community empowerment.

    Margo Lee - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Margo Lee, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Wikimedia Foundation, supports the Chief of Staff in executing strategic priorities and managing critical organizational functions. Overseeing specific project implementations, Lee ensures that departmental efforts align with the foundation's core mission. This position involves facilitating interdepartmental collaboration and driving operational improvements. By assisting in the coordination of key initiatives, Margo Lee contributes to the efficient delivery of services across Wikimedia's global platforms. The Deputy Chief of Staff's focus includes enhancing internal workflows and supporting the leadership team's decision-making processes. Lee's efforts bolster the foundation's capacity to provide free, accessible knowledge to millions worldwide.

    Anusha Alikhan - Chief Communications Officer

    Anusha Alikhan, the Chief Communications Officer at Wikimedia Foundation, directs all external and internal communication strategies. Overseeing public relations, media engagement, and brand messaging, Alikhan ensures the foundation's mission is clearly articulated to a global audience. This leadership role involves shaping narratives around free knowledge and community impact. By fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and the public, Anusha Alikhan enhances the foundation's reputation and reach. The Chief Communications Officer's responsibilities include developing crisis communication plans and promoting transparency in organizational activities. Alikhan's expertise is crucial in amplifying the value of Wikipedia and its sister projects, reinforcing the commitment to open access 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 Carolin Geb (President) and Shobowale Lekan (President).
    Who is part of Wikimedia Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Wikimedia Foundation includes leaders such as Bernadette Meehan (Chief Executive Officer), Carolin Geb (President), Shobowale Lekan (President) 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, President, President, Group President, Wikimedia Community User (Sri Lanka), President, Wikimedia LLC.