Ethereum Foundation Sees Two Senior Researcher Resignations

The Ethereum Foundation saw the resignations of Julian Ma and Carl Beek on Monday, bringing the total number of high-profile departures at the organization to at least eight in recent months. Ma ended his four-year tenure, while Beek concluded his seven-year tenure at the Foundation. Ma contributed to Ethereum's censorship-resistant properties and cross-layer bridge algorithms and strategy, while Beek contributed to the early design of the Beacon Chain, which introduced proof-of-stake to the blockchain. The departures are part of a broader wave of resignations from the Ethereum Foundation this year, with five senior developers and researchers leaving in May alone. Last year, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin announced major leadership changes and a new direction for the Foundation in response to criticism from Ethereum's users over the blockchain's handling of its long-term roadmap.

Ma stated in a post to X that he left the Ethereum Foundation to focus on work in product and growth, adding the organization "is an amazing place but not right for my next steps."



Source: Julian Ma

Beek announced in an X post that he was leaving on May 29 and, for now, would spend time with his wife and 1-month-old child.

## Recent Ethereum Foundation Member Resignations

Earlier this month, the Ethereum Foundation said Barnabé Monnot and Tim Beiko, leaders of its Protocol Cluster team, would be moving on, while the team's other lead, Alex Stokes, would be going on sabbatical.

In April, Josh Stark, a key researcher and project manager, announced he was leaving the organization. This announcement came a day after Ethereum Foundation contributor Trent Van Epps announced his resignation.

In February, Tomasz Stanczak announced he was stepping down as the organization's co-executive director.