About
James Kennedy
15 years at the centre of the global IP address ecosystem — from operating multi-country networks to head of the RIPE Registry.
15 years at the centre of the global IP address ecosystem — from operating multi-country networks to head of the RIPE Registry.
KIPA exists because IP address management has evolved far beyond a technical and operational function. Address space — both IPv4 and IPv6 — is now a strategic asset with financial value, market dynamics, and governance implications that most organisations are not equipped to navigate.
I founded KIPA to bring the operational depth and strategic perspective I developed over fifteen years into an independent advisory practice. The goal is simple: help organisations treat their IP ecosystem with the rigour it now demands.
Led the Internet Number Registry — the authoritative system of record for IP address allocations, assignments, and transfers across 76 countries and 20,000+ members. Oversaw registry operations, policy implementation, transfer processing, and compliance.
Executed global IPAM operations and acquisition analysis for AWS — optimising internal distribution and security collaboration across a hyperscale inventory of 132M+ public IPv4 addresses and IPv6.
Built and led the IP address strategy function across Liberty Global's operating companies — managing a portfolio valued at over €1.25B across 13 countries including Virgin Media, Ziggo, Telenet, and UPC operations. Designed the governance framework, forecasting methodology, and IPv6 migration approach that delivered multi-million euro savings.
Where it started. Hands-on work with IP resource allocation, policy implementation, and member support — building the technical foundation that would inform my future roles.
Beyond operational roles, I have been actively involved in shaping IP address policy and governance at the global level. I served as Co-Chair of the RIPE Address Policy Working Group (2021–2023), was twice elected to the ICANN ASO Address Council representing the RIPE region, and co-authored RIPE-767 — a policy document establishing data governance principles for the registry system.
Most organisations manage IP addresses reactively — by the time they're engaging brokers or panicking about IPv4 depletion, the optimal strategic window has already closed. KIPA brings FinOps-grade discipline to IP management: treating address space as a portfolio of strategic assets requiring governance, visibility, intelligent forecasting, and proactive market positioning.