TL;DR

  • Phil Koblence and Eli Sher take on new leadership roles as Chair and Vice Chair of the OIX Association following Chris Grundemann’s departure as Chair.
  • OIX is expanding beyond its traditional certification work to address a broader range of digital infrastructure standards, frameworks, education and industry collaboration.
  • The Digital Infrastructure Framework Committee (DIFC) is helping advance OIX’s work around open, neutral approaches to evolving infrastructure requirements.
  • Greater engagement with organizations such as the Open Compute Project (OCP) reflects OIX’s growing emphasis on industry partnerships and collaboration.
  • Grundemann’s tenure helped establish the foundation for OIX’s evolving direction, which the new leadership team will continue to advance.

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The OIX Association is entering a new chapter of leadership as Chris Grundemann steps down as Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. Phil Koblence has been appointed Chair, with Eli Sher serving as Vice Chair, while Ilissa Miller, Robert Muller, John Osmon and Art Valhuerdi continue as active Board members.

The leadership transition comes as OIX builds on work undertaken during Grundemann’s tenure to expand the organization’s role within the digital infrastructure community. As the industry evolves, OIX is looking beyond its traditional areas of focus to identify new ways that open standards, education, and collaboration can support the broader ecosystem.

Formerly known as Open-IX, OIX has historically focused on advancing internet interconnection through transparent technical and operational standards and certification. That foundation remains important, but the volunteer-driven nonprofit is broadening its efforts through new frameworks, partnerships, educational initiatives and increased collaboration with other industry organizations.

Building the Foundation for OIX’s Next Phase

During his time as Chair, Grundemann helped OIX reassess its mission and consider where the organization could provide greater value to the digital infrastructure industry. His tenure coincided with a period in which OIX began exploring opportunities to apply its experience with open, neutral standards to a wider range of infrastructure needs.

That direction is reflected in the Digital Infrastructure Framework Committee (DIFC), which represents an expansion of OIX’s work beyond its traditional certification activities. OIX has also increased its engagement with organizations such as the Open Compute Project (OCP), creating opportunities for greater collaboration around shared digital infrastructure priorities.

During its August meeting, the OIX Board formally recognized Grundemann for his contributions as Chair, Board member, and longtime participant in the broader community. The organization now plans to build on the direction established during his tenure as its new leadership moves forward.

Continuing the Evolution of OIX

With Koblence and Sher assuming their new leadership roles, OIX plans to continue advancing work around standards and certification while strengthening its focus on knowledge and education, industry collaboration and emerging infrastructure needs. The goal is to build upon the organization’s existing experience while identifying areas where open and neutral approaches can provide value as digital infrastructure continues to change.

For OIX, the transition represents both new leadership and continuity in the organization’s direction. As Koblence, Sher, and the Board move into the next phase, the focus will be on turning that broader vision into initiatives, frameworks, and partnerships that support OIX’s evolving role within the digital infrastructure community.

To learn more about the OIX Association and the Digital Infrastructure Framework, visit oix.org.