Hsiao-Wei Wang has resigned as co-executive director of the Ethereum Foundation after a sabbatical, extending a recent series of senior leadership departures. Wang announced the decision on X, stating the timing felt appropriate after her break. Her exit follows co-executive director Tomasz Stańczak's earlier announcement of plans to leave, and comes amid growing community debate over the foundation's governance, priorities, and ability to retain key contributors.
Reflecting on her decision, Wang said Ethereum had always been larger than any individual role, organisation or moment. She also indicated that her future plans remain undecided. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin commented on X on June 18, 2026, acknowledging Wang's decade-long contribution to the Ethereum ecosystem and her work in research and consensus development.
Stańczak Departure and Aue's Expanded Role
Wang's resignation follows Tomasz Stańczak's earlier announcement of plans to leave after helping manage a leadership transition within the Ethereum Foundation. Board member Bastian Aue has since assumed a larger role in overseeing the organisation during the interim period created by the exits of both executives.
Reports indicate the organisation has recorded numerous staff departures this year, including a number of senior contributors whose exits have attracted particular attention. Community scrutiny has focused on the foundation's priorities, governance approach and long-term development plans as Ethereum contends with stronger competition from other blockchain ecosystems.
Ethereum Foundation Reaffirms Decentralization Mission
Vitalik Buterin has repeatedly emphasised that the foundation is not intended to function as Ethereum's central governing body. In comments made earlier this year, he described the organisation as one node within a wider decentralised network.
The foundation has also reaffirmed that decentralisation remains central to its mission, stating that Ethereum should continue functioning even in the absence of the foundation and current core developers.
FAQ
Why did Hsiao-Wei Wang resign from the Ethereum Foundation?
Wang stated that after a recent sabbatical, she felt it was the appropriate moment to step away from her role as co-executive director. She indicated that her future plans remain undecided.
Who is now overseeing the Ethereum Foundation after Wang and Stańczak's departures?
Board member Bastian Aue has assumed a larger role in overseeing the organisation during the interim period created by the exits of both co-executive directors.
What is the Ethereum Foundation's position on its role in the network?
Vitalik Buterin has stated the foundation is not Ethereum's central governing body but one node within a wider decentralised network. The foundation has reaffirmed that Ethereum should continue functioning even without the foundation and current core developers.
