Prime Highlights
- Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, joins TED’s board as Vision Steward to guide the organization’s long-term strategy.
- Logan McClure Davda, a longtime TED leader, is appointed CEO to oversee daily operations and lead TED’s next phase of growth.
Key Facts:
- TED consulted nearly 100 organizations, investors, and individuals during the leadership selection and reaffirmed its commitment to remain a nonprofit.
- Outgoing CEO Jay Herratti will join TED’s board to support continuity, while Chris Anderson remains a board member focusing on fundraising and community engagement.
Key Background:
TED, the globally renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading ideas and fostering meaningful conversations, has announced a significant leadership transition. After a nine-month search, Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, joins TED’s board as Vision Steward, while longtime TED leader Logan McClure Davda has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.
The leadership change follows the decision by Chris Anderson, who has led TED for 25 years, to invite new stewards to guide the organization’s future. TED spoke with nearly 100 organizations, investors, and individuals, reviewing various proposals, including some offers to buy the organization. In the end, TED confirmed it will remain a nonprofit focused on freely sharing knowledge and ideas worldwide.
“From the start, our goal was to find a way for TED to grow its impact while preserving its soul,” said Anderson. “Sal Khan embodies the generosity and curiosity that define TED. He has shown how technology and learning can benefit humanity at scale without compromising integrity or heart.”
As Vision Steward, Khan will work closely with TED’s leadership on long-term strategy while continuing to lead Khan Academy. His focus will include shaping TED’s mission around lifelong learning, community engagement, and using technology, including AI, to strengthen human connection. “TED has been one of the world’s great amplifiers of ideas,” said Khan. “I’m honored to help guide its next chapter, empowering people everywhere to learn, connect, and collaborate for a better future.”
Logan McClure Davda, a co-founder of the TED Fellows program and former Head of Impact, will manage TED’s daily operations and lead the organization through its next phase of innovation. “With Sal shaping the vision ahead, it’s an extraordinary moment to step in as CEO,” said Davda. “I’m excited to continue TED’s mission of spreading ideas that can truly change the world.”
Outgoing CEO Jay Herratti will join TED’s board to ensure continuity during the transition. Anderson will remain a board member, focusing on fundraising, community building, and curatorial support, and will lead celebrations at TED2026 in Vancouver, where he will formally pass the torch.
TED also announced plans to engage the global community through a conversation next month and to establish a new Ideas Council to guide its evolving mission.
