Leadership Interview Emmanuel Lemor

Recently elected as Vice President of Open Source Matters, Emmanuel Lemor took a moment to reflect on his journey and share his early impressions in this new role. With nearly 30 years of experience in the tech industry — as a CIO, CTO, Head of Product, and consultant — Emmanuel has long maintained a strong connection with Joomla, often recommending and using it throughout his career.

In this interview, he discusses his motivation for stepping into a leadership role, his commitment to working closely with the community, and the first areas he’s already begun contributing to, such as sponsorships and external relations. With a mix of pragmatism, openness, and optimism, Emmanuel lays out his vision: to support Joomla’s ongoing growth and foster more collaboration across the project.

Emmanuel, congratulations on your election as Vice President! Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Thank you for the congratulations. I was born at the bottom of the French Alps and in time found my way to the U.S. by way of Norway and back to France. I have been involved in the tech industry in various roles from CIO, CTO, Head of Product, or CXO in close to 30 years. Whether as an entrepreneur, a consultant or in one of my above roles, I always found myself recommending and using Joomla.

Why did you decide to put yourself up for this position? 

Understanding the importance and the work that comes with it, it was not a spur of the moment decision - I applied because I hoped that I could bring worthwhile contributions to help the Joomla project and community.

In your manifesto, you state you want to work hand in hand with the President. What are examples of the tasks and responsibilities you will support the President with? 

I suspect there will be many opportunities over the length of my term… so far, I have been able to lend my help in the areas of sponsors and in external committees such as the Open Web Alliance. 

In the manifesto you also say you want to listen to us, the community (yay!). How are you going to do that, and what would that bring us?

I have so far, and always will have, an open door policy to anyone that wants to reach out, which you can do either via Mattermost, my LinkedIn or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. among others and have already had many conversations with community members. I also would like to see regular community surveys to hear from the community directly.

On the other hand, what do you think the board should expect from the community?

I’m not sure if I would put it in words of expectations, but the board that is there for the community could hope for active participants and contributions, constructive feedback, inclusiveness, and support for initiatives that will benefit Joomla! and the community.

What is the first challenge you’re going to work on? How can we all help you with that?

I don’t know if I would call it a challenge per say, but first I am focusing on learning as much as I can about as many aspects of the organization while continuing to contribute where I can so that I can be as effective as I can in my role.

You’ve had your first Board Meeting(s) by now, how was it? Did it match your expectations or was it entirely different from what you expected?

Yes, I have had a few board meetings already. I have been part of other boards over the years, they each have their own style and rhythms but I can say that OSM’s meetings are well organized - thankfully we have an effective Secretary that keeps us on task ;)

In your opinion, what does Joomla need right now? And how can we make that happen?

There are a few things that Joomla could use more of: better visibility in the market, more agencies using it and promoting it, new developers that come discover and contribute to this wonderful community and project.

At the end of your term of office, what do you hope to be able to say you've achieved?

In my small way, I hope that I will be able to say that I have helped Joomla! and the community.

Is there anything else you want to share with us?

It’s tough talking about yourself… ;) I am hopeful for Joomla’s bright future - full of more collaboration, more participation and continued great releases!