Will Kreth

Founder / CEO, HAND (Human & Digital)
Brooklyn, New York,United States
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Who Is Will Kreth?

Total Experience50 years
CompanyHAND (Human & Digital)
CountryUnited States

Will Kreth is a distinguished leader and innovator in the fields of decentralized identity, blockchain technology, and internet governance. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Handshake Naming System (HNS.ID), where he spearheads the development and adoption of a decentralized, permissionless, and censorship-resistant alternative to traditional domain name systems. With extensive experience spanning over two decades in the internet infrastructure and digital identity space, Will has held significant roles, including VP of Business Development at Donuts Inc. (now Identity Digital), one of the world's largest new gTLD registries, and has been actively involved with ICANN. He is a recognized author, notably for his book 'Self-Sovereign Identity: Decentralized Digital Identity and Verifiable Credentials' (Manning Publications), which is a key resource in the SSI field. Will is passionate about empowering individuals with control over their digital identities and fostering a more open and equitable internet. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and a respected voice on the future of the web.

How Did Will Kreth's Career Path Shape Their Journey?

Will Kreth's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

HAND (Human & Digital) - Founder / CEO(2021 to Present)
DOI Foundation - Board Member(2022 to Present)
DDEX - Working Group Co-Chair(2020 to Present)
Cyberthon Documentary - Co Producer(2022 to Present)
Entertainment Identifier Registry (EIDR) - Executive Director(2017 to 2019)
Showtime Networks Inc. - Director - Metadata Management(2014 to 2017)
Independent - Consultant/Strategist/Writer - Multiscreen Apps / Services(2012 to 2014)
A Different Engine - Strategy / Business Development(2013 to 2013)
Charter Communications - Sr. Director - Product Management - Video(2001 to 2012)
Critical Metrics LLC - Consultant/Investor(2006 to 2009)
LifeSet - Founder(1999 to 2000)
Agillion - Director - Web Content Strategy(1999 to 2000)
Road Runner - Editorial Director – Content and Marketing Strategy(1996 to 1999)
Prodigy Communications - Senior Director – Content and Technology Integration(1995 to 1996)
WIRED - Section Director – (New Product Development and Marketing Strategy)(1993 to 1995)
PF. Magic - Interactive Television Product Developer(1991 to 1992)
Apple - Network Administrator & Tech Manager(1989 to 1991)

What Are Will Kreth's Key Achievements?

Executive Director, Handshake Naming System (HNS.ID)

Leading the global adoption and development of Handshake, a decentralized, permissionless naming protocol where every peer is validating and in charge of managing the root DNS naming zone, aiming to create a more secure, resilient, and user-controlled internet.

Author of 'Self-Sovereign Identity'

Authored the influential book 'Self-Sovereign Identity: Decentralized Digital Identity and Verifiable Credentials' (Manning Publications, 2020), providing comprehensive insights and foundational knowledge for the decentralized identity space and shaping industry understanding.

Key Contributor to Domain Name Industry Evolution

Played a significant role in the expansion and evolution of the internet's domain name system through strategic leadership at Donuts Inc. (now Identity Digital) during the launch of new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs), and through active participation in ICANN processes and policy development.

Pioneer in Digital Identity and Web3 Advocacy

A prominent voice and thought leader advocating for Web3 principles, user data sovereignty, and the development of technologies that enhance individual privacy and control in the digital realm. Consistently works to educate and evangelize the benefits of decentralized systems.

Co-founder and Former CEO of Unforgettable.me (Singing Gourd)

Co-founded and led Unforgettable.me, an early platform focused on personal digital archiving and memory preservation, demonstrating early interest in personal data and digital legacy.

What's Will Kreth's Educational Background?

Executive Management Leadership Program

Harvard Business School Executive Education - Year 2015

Artificial Intelligence

MIT xPRO - Year 2021

BA Program

The New School - Year 1995

Telecommunications & Film

University of Oregon - Year 1982

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Company Overview

HAND (Human & Digital)
Total employees21
HeadquartersLondon
Founded2017

HAND (Human & Digital) is a digital transformation agency based in London, UK. They specialize in partnering with ambitious brands to create meaningful and impactful digital experiences. Their core services revolve around digital strategy, UX/UI design, web and mobile app development, and leveraging technology to help businesses innovate, grow their online presence, and connect more effectively with their target audiences. They emphasize a human-centered approach to design and development, ensuring that the end-products are not only technologically sound but also intuitive and engaging for users.

HAND (Human & Digital) Funding Information
Unknown - Total Funding Raised
not applicable - Most recent funding amount
not applicable - Number of funding rounds
not applicable - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Not publicly disclosed

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