From Vision to Action: Strengthening the MariaDB Foundation Board – Welcome, Frank Karlitschek!
Strengthening the Board with industry leaders is a key goal for the MariaDB Foundation in 2025 – and beyond.
At the MariaDB Foundation, we believe that leadership in open source isn’t just about code — it’s about courage, community, and conviction. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that Frank Karlitschek, founder and CEO of Nextcloud, has joined the MariaDB Foundation Board.
This is more than a new appointment — it’s a signal of where we’re heading as a Foundation: towards deeper collaboration with open-source and database pioneers who share our European values and our vision for digital independence.
A shared history: Monty, MariaDB, and Nextcloud
Frank and MariaDB go back many years. In his presentation to the Board, he recalled seeking advice from Monty Widenius, founder of MariaDB and MySQL, in the early days of ownCloud.
That conversation helped shape his approach to building open-source communities: balancing innovation with openness, and business with independence.
It’s fitting, then, that our paths converge again — this time with Frank bringing his experience from Nextcloud into MariaDB Foundation’s leadership.
Both projects share a similar DNA: born from open-source ideals, growing into professional, sustainable communities that stand proudly independent of Big Tech.
A natural fit — and a unanimous decision
During the Board meeting on 24 September 2025, Frank introduced himself not just as a CEO, but as a lifelong developer and “open-source fighter.” He spoke about his advocacy for digital rights and European digital sovereignty, and how MariaDB and Nextcloud together exemplify what “open” truly means: transparent, self-hosted, and free from lock-in.
The Board’s response was immediate and unanimous. As recorded in the minutes:
“Board members expressed strong support and enthusiasm, calling Frank a natural fit and warmly welcoming him as a valuable addition to the Foundation.”
Watch: Building Open Source Together with MariaDB
Watch how Frank Karlitschek balances freedom and control through the power of open source — in this inspiring conversation from two months ago:
👉 Building Open Source Together with MariaDB: Frank Karlitschek, Nextcloud
In it, Frank and I discuss:
- Why Nextcloud recommends MariaDB as its default database
- How licensing, transparency, and European values guide both projects
- What steps are needed to strengthen Europe’s open-source ecosystem
It’s a conversation about alignment — technical, philosophical, and cultural — between two of Europe’s leading open-source success stories.
A Grateful Transition
A special word of thanks goes to Espen Håkonsen (Crayon Group), who graciously moved from Board Member to Observer, making this step possible. Espen remains a valued contributor on the Operational Committee, and we are deeply appreciative of his openness and long-standing support.
Looking Ahead
Frank Karlitschek isn’t just a CEO — he’s a true advocate for freedom in technology. His Wikipedia biography tells the story of someone who’s been at the heart of open source for over two decades — from KDE and ownCloud, to his current leadership at Nextcloud, and his role in shaping European digital policy in Brussels.
Having such a voice on the MariaDB Foundation Board strengthens not only our governance, but our message:
that open source is essential to digital sovereignty, innovation, and choice.
We move forward with renewed energy, a stronger Board, and a shared belief — that openness wins.
