Mozilla appoints new CEO

Chris Beard

Mozilla, the organisation behind the Firefox browser, has appointed interim CEO Chris Beard as its full-time chief executive.

Beard rejoined Mozilla in April to take the interim CEO job, having first joined the firm in 2004. Prior to returning, he spent almost a year as executive-in-residence at venture capital firm Greylock Partners.

“Over the years, Chris has led many of Mozilla’s most innovative projects. We have relied on his judgment and advice for nearly a decade. Chris has a clear vision of how to take Mozilla’s mission and turn it into industry-changing products and ideas,” said Mozilla.

Earlier this month, Mozilla confirmed that it is preparing to launch a Chromecast-style HDMI streaming device later this year.

The development marks Mozilla’s ongoing efforts to expand its Firefox OS ecosystem, with the software already available on seven smartphones offered by five major operators in 15 countries. At CES in January, Firefox also announced it is working with Panasonic to develop next generation smart TVs running the Firefox OS.