
Magento Association 2024 Board Officer Elections: A New Era Begins
The Magento Association Board Elections for 2024 have concluded, and we are thrilled to welcome three exceptional new members to the Board: Vijay Golani, Laura Folco, and Ollie Hunt. Their addition marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for our community, brimming with fresh perspectives and opportunities for growth.
With the new Board members in place, it was time to elect new Officers for key leadership positions. During the most recent Board meeting on December 12, 2024, attended by both returning and new members, the roles of Chair (President), Secretary (Vice Chair), and Treasurer were reset and opened for internal elections.
Meet the Newly Elected Officers
Chair (President): Slava Kravchuk
Few names resonate as deeply in the Magento ecosystem as Slava Kravchuk’s. As the founder of Atwix, Slava has been a driving force behind Magento innovation and one of the platform’s top contributors for years. His unwavering dedication to the community, coupled with his strategic insight, makes him an ideal leader for this pivotal role. Slava’s election as Chair heralds a future of bold initiatives and strengthened global collaboration.
Secretary (Vice Chair): Vatsal Shah
Vatsal Shah steps into the role of Secretary with a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future. As a seasoned Board member and a respected leader in the Asian Magento community, Vatsal’s background as a CEO trainer and business catalyst equips him to strengthen the Association’s strategic initiatives. His commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation will undoubtedly propel the Magento Association forward.
Treasurer: Danny Verkade
Danny Verkade, a steadfast figure in the Magento Association, continues in his role as Treasurer. With years of experience managing the Association’s finances, Danny’s expertise and dedication are invaluable. He has committed to serving the full two-year term as Treasurer. To ensure a seamless transition, Danny has proposed electing a new Treasurer midway through his term, allowing for a one-year mentoring period and ensuring a smooth transition before he steps down at the end of his term in 2026. This thoughtful approach underscores Danny’s dedication to the Association’s long-term stability and growth.
A Farewell to Joshua Warren
With every new beginning comes the close of an era. This year, we bid farewell to Joshua Warren, who has stepped down as Chair and passed the position to Slava. Josh’s tenure was defined by his visionary leadership, boundless creativity, and an ever-present sense of humor that uplifted those around him. A cornerstone of the Magento Association, Josh leaves behind a legacy of progress and resilience. Josh will remain with the Board for an additional year as Past Chair, offering his invaluable knowledge and support to ensure a smooth transition for the new leadership team.
In his own words, Joshua shared:
"It has been an incredible honor to serve as the founding chair of the Magento Association over these past five years. While I am stepping down as chair and transitioning into a non-voting role as past chair before leaving the Board, I’m not stepping away from this community. Many of you have become great friends, and I look forward to seeing you at Meet Magento events and continuing to collaborate for the benefit of all Magento users.
When the foundational work of the Association began in early 2018, we built a vision rooted in the realities of that time. Since then, the landscape has shifted dramatically: Adobe’s acquisition of Magento in 2018, the global pandemic of 2020, and Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine—home to many in the Magento community—are just a few of the unexpected challenges we’ve faced. Through it all, I’ve been inspired by this community’s creativity, resilience, and unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle.
This community never settles for the status quo, and your challenges have often pushed me out of my comfort zone. Yet, those moments of discomfort have always led to outcomes that strengthened the entire Magento ecosystem. A standout example was the community’s call for change in 2021, which culminated in a pivotal session at Meet Magento Poland 2021 about the future of Magento Open Source. That conversation set the stage for significant progress: the appointment of Mathias Schreiber as the Association’s Executive Director and the addition of fresh, dynamic voices to the Board of Directors.
There were times over the past five years when the idea of stepping away from this role filled me with doubt. But today, I step aside with confidence and excitement. Our newly elected Directors and Officers bring the energy, vision, and enthusiasm needed to ensure Magento remains the world’s leading open-source e-commerce platform for years to come."
Looking Ahead
The Magento Association’s ongoing evolution is reflected in changes to the Board’s structure. Board members now serve two-year terms, with elections held annually to fill open positions. This year, we welcomed three new members to the Board. Starting next year, four seats will be up for election annually, ensuring a dynamic and continuously refreshed leadership team.
Conclusion
As we embrace this new chapter, the Magento Association remains committed to fostering a thriving community. With renewed leadership, a steadfast commitment to innovation, and an engaged membership base, the future of the Magento ecosystem has never been brighter.
Let’s move forward together—stronger, united, and ready to shape the next era of eCommerce excellence.
Join the Magento Association Today!
The Magento Association thrives on the passion and contributions of its members. By becoming a member, you can be part of the decision-making, contribute to the community’s growth, and enjoy exclusive benefits like discounts for events and access to valuable resources.