Video conferencing company Zoom has tapped Josh Kallmer as its Head of Global Public Policy and Government Relations, as the rapidly-growing company works to address allegations of security and privacy lapses.
Additionally, Zoom added retired US Army Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond “H.R.” McMaster to its Board of Directors. McMaster served in the US Army for 34 years, and was the National Security Advisor for President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2018.
According to the company, Kallmer will lead Zoom’s government relations and public policy efforts to foster a global understanding of innovation and technology. He begins his role on May 26.
Kallmer joins Zoom from the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), where he has worked as the EVP of Policy since 2015. Before joining ITI Kallmer was counsel in the International Trade and International Dispute Resolution groups of Crowell & Moring LLP for 3 years. Kallmer also held multiple positions at the Office of the US Trade Representative between 2004 and 2012.
In a press release, Kallmer stated, “Zoom is an incredibly innovative company with a world-class team and culture. I’m excited to join this team that shares my policy priorities of communicating honestly, building trust, and developing understanding of innovation and technology in governments around the world.”
Zoom CEO Eric Yuan said, “Josh's experience and perspective will be instrumental as Zoom continues to actively engage with stakeholders in Washington, D.C., and around the world to discuss Zoom's platform, policies, and commitments to our users, as well as other important industry-wide topics.”
Zoom’s userbase has soared due to the coronavirus pandemic, reaching over 200 million daily active users in May 2020, up from just 10 million in December 2019. This rapid user growth caused security issues for the company and generated scrutiny from US lawmakers and regulators. Last month, CEO Eric Yuan published a 90-day plan to improve the service’s well-documented security and privacy issues.
