Dear Katrina, dear Council Following discussion on the last WG call and on the listregarding timing, I confirm that I wish to step down as Chair of the Policy Development Working as soon as may be convenient. I confirm, for the avoidance of doubt, that I shall continue to play an active part in the substantive work of the WG and its expected successor. Whilst it a relatively long before I take up my new role, I, and the Members of the WG think it important that to put a replacement Chair in post as soon as possible so that the substantive work we are getting deeper into is not disrupted by any 'changing of the guard'. After consulting with the WG members, I can report to Council that: Eberhard has indicated he prefers to remain Vice-Chair. Stephen Deerhake has indicated that he is willing to serve as Chair, and the Members of the WG agreed unanimously that Stephen is the WG's preference to replace me. Therefore, by this email, I am writing formally to Council to inform as as follows: - confirming that I wish to be relieved of the Chair - requesting that Council appoint a new Chair - requesting, with the support of the whole WG, that Council consider at its earliest convenience that Stephen Deerhake be chosen to be appointed to the role of Chair of the WG. - that, whomever is selected by Council, that the changeover be at the time most convenient for the new Chair. In terms of the last opint, I originally suggested to the WG that I ought down immediately that a new Chair can take over, but it has been suggested, and I have agreed with this, that the end of the ICANN 61 meeting in PR is the right time for this to take place. This means I would, if this is agreeable to Council, continue to chair the next telecalls and would finally chair the F2F in San Juan as my last act as PDP WG Chair.) (Notwithstanding this, however, the WG would appreciate confirmation of the new Chair as soon as possible so they may be included in the WG prep &c immediately as "Chair-designate" or something similar) I commend the above to Council and request this be placed on the agenda for the next Council call, please.