Ethereum Foundation leadership exodus continues with director’s departure

Written by Sam Bourgistaff writerReviewed by Robert Lakinstaff editorWritten by Sam Bourgistaff writerReviewed by Robert Lakinstaff editorEthereum Foundation leadership exodus continues with director’s departureLatest NewsPublishedJun 18, 2026Hsiao-Wei Wang’s departure adds to a wave of Ethereum Foundation exits, fueling debate over governance, decentralization and the network’s future. The Ethereum Foundation has lost another high-ranking contributor, amid increasing scrutiny of the research organization as the network faces ongoing questions about talent retention and governance philosophy.In a post on X, co-executive director Hsiao-Wei Wang announced that she had stepped down from her role, effective immediately, following a recent sabbatical. Wang wrote that "Ethereum has always been bigger than any role" and indicated that she has not yet decided what she will do next.Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin commented on Wang’s an X post, acknowledging that she had taken on “the most challenging position in the Ethereum Foundation” alongside Tomasz Stanczak, who also stepped down from his leadership role earlier this year.Source: Vitalik ButerinThe Ethereum Foundation has logged an estimated 19 layoffs and departures this year, although the loss of senior executives and core contributors has drawn the most attention. The wave of departures comes as the foundation grapples with intensifying competition, ongoing debate over Ethereum’s governance and long-term development strategy, and continued pressure on Ether’s market performance.Buterin has also pushed back against criticism, particularly claims that the foundation should play a more active role in promoting the network. In May, he said that the foundation “is not the ‘center of Ethereum,’ rather [...] ‘one node, with a defined purpose, alongside other nodes.’”Related: Blockchain researcher defends Ethereum Foundation, says it’s doing ‘exactly’ its jobDecentralization remains Ethereum Foundation’s core mandateI…

Ethereum Foundation leadership exodus continues with director’s departure

Coins in this story

Related stories

Algorand Plans to Be Ready for Quantum Computing Threat by End of 2027

Ethereum Foundation Exodus Continues as Co-Director Hsiao-Wei Wang Departs

Europe's Crypto Firms Face Squeeze as MiCA Transition Period End Looms