CompTIA has named Sean Ryan as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking the beginning of a new phase focused on expanding AI skills training and workforce credentialing. The leadership change comes as demand for technology talent and validated AI competencies continues to grow across industries.
Ryan succeeds Todd Thibodeaux, who led CompTIA for nearly 18 years. He joins the organization after serving as President of the School Group at McGraw Hill, where he spent six years overseeing one of the largest education businesses in the United States and driving its transition toward digital learning and AI-enabled education solutions.
During his tenure at McGraw Hill, Ryan led the organization’s shift from traditional print offerings to digital and SaaS-based learning platforms. He also expanded the business through acquisitions and the development of data analytics and AI capabilities, while growing the division into a billion-dollar operation. Earlier, he held senior leadership roles overseeing sales, implementation, and customer success initiatives that contributed to the company’s long-term growth.
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CompTIA’s Board believes Ryan’s experience in education technology and organizational transformation positions him to strengthen the organization’s role in preparing professionals for an AI-driven workforce.
“Sean distinguished himself throughout the search process as a proven leader who knows how to guide organizations through transformation,” said Jim Ryan. “He has a clear vision for expanding access to high-quality skills training at a time when AI and digital transformation are reshaping workforce readiness.”
Ryan emphasized the growing importance of AI skills in today’s labor market, stating: “AI isn’t just changing IT; it’s redefining what workforce-ready means across industries and occupations. CompTIA has spent decades building the infrastructure to train people and independently verify their competence through performance-based credentialing that employers trust. That foundation, combined with a clear focus on AI skills and certifications, puts us in a unique position to turn AI ambition into demonstrated, credentialed capability.”
The appointment signals CompTIA’s continued investment in expanding its certification portfolio and strengthening workforce readiness as organizations increasingly seek professionals with verified technology and AI expertise.
