Dear colleagues

 

I’m extremely sad to let everyone in MIGG-UK know that Nigel Hickson died over the weekend following a long battle with cancer. He was hugely loved by his team here in DSIT and by friends and colleagues in the UK and around the world, and he will be sorely missed.

 

Nigel made a huge contribution over a forty year career. He worked in a number of government departments in the UK as well as roles in the Government of Bermuda, the Confederation of British Industry and of course eight years at ICANN. He was committed to his work and he was an outstanding champion of a free, open and secure Internet. He stepped down as vice-chair of the GAC only a few weeks ago at the ICANN meeting in Seattle and I know how much it meant to him to receive the thanks and best wishes of so many good friends and colleagues there.

 

My team is planning to put together a memorial book that we can give to his family to commemorate his contribution and to celebrate his memory. If you would like to include a message then please email me and we will paste it into the book. We are in touch with his family and we will pass on any more information that becomes available.

 

I know this news will be upsetting for many people. Our hearts go out to his family and to all those who will miss him. Nigel has left us many great achievements and a great legacy – and most of all he has left us with many warm and happy memories of a wonderful man and a great friend.

 

with best regards,

 

Paul

 

Paul Blaker

Head of ITU and Internet Governance

Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 7515 701352

www.gov.uk/dsit | https://twitter.com/SciTechgovuk