Life at Eclipse

I want to share that I intend to retire as Executive Director of the Eclipse Foundation in 2027. This is something I have been considering for some time and the recent arrival of my two grandchildren is an additional motivation to reduce my travel and spend more time with family.

The exact timing will be at the Board’s discretion, and we will communicate the transition arrangements as they are confirmed.

This is a decision I can make with confidence in the Eclipse Foundation’s position and future. The Eclipse Foundation has never been in better shape in terms of its size, financial health, and industry and community relevance. We have been discussing transition planning with the Board annually for at least the past five years. We have a plan in place, and the Board will lead the process of selecting the next Executive Director.

What we have built together

The past 22 years at the helm of the Eclipse Foundation have been an incredible time for me. A journey full of personal and professional challenges and accomplishments.

When I joined in 2004, our work was centered on the Eclipse developer tools ecosystem. That work remains important, but the organisation and community have grown far beyond their original scope.

Today, the Eclipse Foundation is home to technologies and communities spanning enterprise Java, software-defined vehicles, artificial intelligence, embedded systems, open hardware, and new generations of developer tools. Jakarta EE, Adoptium, OpenHW, Eclipse ThreadX, Eclipse Theia, and Open VSX are just some examples of how much our community and ecosystem have evolved.

What matters most is not simply that we have more projects. It is that the technologies our communities build have become important to more people, more organisations, and more industries around the world.

None of this has been the work of one person. Our committers, maintainers, and contributors build and sustain the technology. Our members invest in shared progress. Our staff and partners provide the support that allows these communities to collaborate and succeed. I have been fortunate to work alongside all of you.

An organisation in fantastic shape

The Eclipse Foundation has never been as strong as it is today. We are financially strong, we have an experienced leadership team, and we have developed capabilities across the organisation that will serve us well through this transition and beyond. We are also hosting increasing numbers of industry collaborations that are growing both in size and ambition. Eclipse IoT — the world’s largest open source collaboration in IoT and Edge — just celebrated its 15th anniversary. Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle is about to ship the world’s first open source SDV platform. And our recent launch of the Sovereign AI Foundation illustrates a growing footprint in open AI technologies that provide freedom of action for users and adopters.

We have also become a genuinely global organisation. Our team has grown to more than 100 employees in over 15 countries around the world, supporting communities across many more. When I started 22 years ago I could never have imagined the organisation being the success it is today and I could not be more proud of the team and community we have built.

Our European presence has expanded our reach and opportunities, alongside our colleagues’ experience and expertise worldwide. Our strength comes from how we work together in support of a shared mission. As we have become Europe’s global open source foundation, I have suggested to the Board that the next Executive Director be based in Europe. In some ways, this leadership transition may be the last step in our move to Europe.

Our organisation and its communities are in fantastic shape. That does not mean we should stand still. We are well positioned to play an even greater role in the future of open source. With growing industry dependence on open technologies, the growing realization of the importance of global cybersecurity, the importance of vendor-neutral governance, and new opportunities around AI and digital sovereignty, the future is bright. Transitions like this are opportunities for growth and development, and the next Executive Director will have the opportunity to lead an organisation that is very different from the one I joined in 2004.

What happens next

It is the Board’s decision who to appoint as the next Executive Director. The Board will lead the selection process, and has already struck a Search Committee chaired by Florian Bankoley, Chief Digital Officer of Bosch Mobility. We will keep our staff, members, and wider community informed as that work moves forward.

In the meantime, I intend to remain fully engaged as Executive Director! We have important work ahead, and I remain committed to our priorities and to supporting the people who deliver them.

My intention is to be at the disposal of the next Executive Director through a part-time position after I am no longer Executive Director. The exact title, duration, and responsibilities of any follow-up position will be at the discretion of the Board and the new Executive Director.

There will be time for a proper farewell later. For now, I want to thank you for the trust and support you have given me over the past 22 years. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to seeing the Eclipse Foundation grow to even greater heights under a new Executive Director.

Further information about the transition is available in the FAQ below.

Frequently asked questions

What is being announced?

Mike Milinkovich intends to retire from the position of Executive Director of the Eclipse Foundation in 2027. This is a planned leadership transition. The Board will determine the timing and transition arrangements.

Why is he retiring?

Mike has been considering this transition for a long time and would like to reduce his travel and spend more time with family. Succession planning has been discussed with the Board at least annually for the past five years.

Is Mike leaving immediately?

No. Mike remains fully engaged until the new Executive Director is appointed by the Board of Directors. He continues to lead the organisation and work with the executive team, staff, and community to deliver on its priorities.

Who will succeed him?

The Board is responsible for selecting and appointing the next Executive Director. The Board will lead the selection process, and has already struck a Search Committee chaired by Florian Bankoley, Chief Digital Officer of Bosch Mobility. The Foundation will communicate the appointment and handover arrangements when they are confirmed.

Will Mike have a continuing role?

Mike’s intention is to continue contributing in a part-time capacity after stepping down as Executive Director. Any follow-up position, including its title, duration, and responsibilities, will be at the discretion of the Board and the new Executive Director.

What does this mean for the Foundation’s mission and direction?

The Foundation enters this transition from a position of financial and organisational strength. Its mission and commitment to vendor-neutral, community-driven collaboration remain central. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to build on that foundation and lead its continued development.

Will projects, committers, members, or services be affected?

This leadership announcement does not itself change project governance, committer roles, or existing agreements. The Foundation is planning for continuity in its project support, member relationships, industry collaborations, and services. Please continue working with your usual Foundation contacts.

Does the transition change the Foundation’s geographic focus?

No change in geographic strategy is being considered. The Eclipse Foundation remains a global organisation with a European base and a commitment to international collaboration.

Can community members nominate candidates?

The Board will communicate any opportunities to participate in the selection process.