Globally recognized tech leader to spearhead new era of
AI leadership in the Golden State
San Jose, CA (Oct 28, 2025) – Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) – the leading business association representing the innovation economy and its ecosystem — today named Ziyang David Fan as Senior Vice President of Technology & Innovation and the inaugural Executive Director of its Institute for California AI Policy (ICAP).
After a nearly four-month, nationwide search, SVLG selected Fan for his deep industry experience, policy expertise, and proven track record in advancing emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.
In this role, Fan will lead SVLG’s Technology & Innovation portfolio while guiding ICAP’s mission to make California the global standard-bearer for AI innovation and policy. He will oversee the Institute’s daily work of convening educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to develop effective AI governance solutions to harness the transformative power of this technology. Under his leadership, ICAP will also deepen its focus on policy engagement, education, convenings, and thought leadership – ensuring California’s approach to AI remains human-centered and globally competitive.
“Silicon Valley is the economic engine that drives innovation, and advancing the rapid development and deployment of AI is essential for our global leadership,” said Ahmad Thomas, CEO of SVLG. “Ziyang David Fan brings world-class expertise, a track record of impact, and the ambitious vision we need to lead our state and nation toward a future defined by technological excellence and opportunity. This hire marks a major milestone for both SVLG and the California innovation ecosystem.”
“I’m honored to join SVLG and lead ICAP at such a pivotal moment for technology and policy,” said Ziyang Fan. “California has always set the pace for innovation, and now we have the opportunity to create something unprecedented – establishing the Golden State as the global standard-setter for AI governance for years to come. I’m excited to get to work alongside SVLG’s members and partners to bring this vision to life.”
Fan will lead a seven-person ICAP team, further supported by SVLG’s broader organization. Together, they will comprise the premier AI advocacy and market-making entity in California, positioned to drive state and national leadership on this transformative technology.
Fan brings two decades of industry experience spanning law, digital policy, and the development of emerging AI solutions. His previous roles include Head of International Government Relations Policy at PayPal and Head of Digital Trade at the World Economic Forum’s Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where he helped scale the organization’s technology policy platform and raise over $7 million in funding.
He holds a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and a B.S. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Fan resides with his family in Mountain View.
This strategic hire is part of SVLG’s broader Future Forward Agenda, an ambitious plan focused on strengthening regional innovation and driving long-term economic growth across the Bay Area and the Golden State.
For more information about career opportunities at SVLG, please visit svlg.org/careers.
About the Institute for California AI Policy:
The Institute for California AI Policy (ICAP), launched by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) in December 2023, is dedicated to shaping AI policy that advances California’s leadership in technology innovation. ICAP’s mission is to develop informed, balanced, and effective AI policy and regulatory solutions through collaboration among California educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. The Institute focuses on education, policy engagement, thought leadership, and issue expertise to ensure that AI adoption is human-centered, transparent, and secure, maintaining California’s role as a global hub for innovation-driven AI governance.
About the Silicon Valley Leadership Group:
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) is the leading business association representing the innovation economy and its ecosystem. Founded by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, SVLG has worked for nearly five decades to address issues that affect the region’s economic dynamism and quality of life. Today, SVLG is focused on accelerating the next era of Silicon Valley leadership, activated by our Institute for California AI Policy (ICAP) and three new Centers of Expertise (COE): Technology & Innovation, Business Competitiveness, and Civic Impact. SVLG members collectively provide nearly one in every three private-sector jobs in Silicon Valley and contribute more than $3 trillion to the global economy. For more information, visit svlg.org.
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