Market Data 
- Ethereum Foundation restructures leadership to boost technical expertise and strengthen ties with ecosystem stakeholders.
- Hsiao-Wei Wang joins leadership; Danny Ryan, key to proof-of-stake transition, departs after seven years.
- Vitalik Buterin affirms Ethereum Foundation’s commitment to decentralization, privacy, and censorship resistance.
The Ethereum Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Switzerland, is undergoing significant leadership restructuring. This move, led by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, aims to enhance the foundation’s technical capacity and its collaboration with ecosystem stakeholders. Vitalik Buterin announced that this process has been underway for nearly a year, with some changes already implemented and others still in progress.
We are indeed currently in the process of large changes to EF leadership structure, which has been ongoing for close to a year. Some of this has already been executed on and made public, and some is still in progress.
What we’re trying to achieve is primarily the following…
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) January 18, 2025
Notably, the restructuring focuses on addressing key challenges in Ethereum’s ecosystem. By prioritizing technical expertise within its leadership, the foundation seeks to better support developers, users, and ecosystem partners.
Additionally, Vitalik Buterin emphasized that these changes will not alter the foundation’s core goals. He reassured stakeholders that privacy, open-source development, and censorship resistance remain at the forefront of Ethereum’s values.
Technical Expertise and New Leadership Roles
More so, the leadership changes are designed to attract new talent and accelerate ongoing projects within Ethereum’s ecosystem. Hsiao-Wei Wang, a longtime contributor to core Ethereum research, recently joined the leadership team.
Besides, the addition highlights the foundation’s commitment to strengthening its technical leadership. Wang has been with the foundation since 2017 and has played a key role in Ethereum’s research advancements.
Furthermore, the restructuring also comes after the departure of Danny Ryan in September 2024. Ryan was instrumental in leading Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake and the launch of the Beacon Chain. His contributions, including spearheading The Merge, significantly ]][: Ethereum’s developnd Jerome de Tychey as potential co-leaders. De Tychey, who currently serves as the president of Ethereum France, has called for improved communication to foster collaboration and adaptability across the ecosystem.
Commitment to Decentralization and Values
Buterin clarified that the Ethereum Foundation will maintain its decentralized approach. The foundation will not pursue centralized control, nor will it attempt to influence regulators aggressively.
Instead, it remains committed to supporting Ethereum’s core principles. Buterin highlighted that individuals seeking a different vision are encouraged to create their own organizations, reflecting Ethereum’s ethos of openness and decentralization.Moreover, the restructuring seeks to enhance the foundation’s ability to connect with ecosystem participants.
This includes app developers, wallet providers, and Layer 2 solutions. By fostering stronger relationships across these groups, the foundation aims to create a more cohesive and innovative environment for Ethereum’s growth.
