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Journalist
Hassan Shittu
Journalist
Hassan Shittu
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Key Takeaways:
- Aya Miyaguchi transitions to Ethereum Foundation president, focusing on institutional relationships and expanding Ethereum’s global influence.
- The leadership change reflects ongoing efforts to balance decentralization with governance amid community criticism and internal restructuring.
- Vitalik Buterin reaffirms control over the foundation’s direction while addressing tensions around transparency, leadership, and community expectations.
According to a blog post published on Tuesday, Aya Miyaguchi, the Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation (EF), is stepping into a new role as the organization’s president.
The transition follows heightened scrutiny from some Ethereum community members regarding her leadership and the foundation’s overall direction.
Vitalik Buterin Praises Aya Miyaguchi As She Transitions to EF President
Miyaguchi, EF’s executive director since 2018, said the decision had been in motion for a year. In her new role, she will focus on institutional relationships and expanding Ethereum’s reach.
“This new opportunity will allow me to continue supporting EF’s institutional relationships and to expand the reach of our vision and culture more broadly,” Miyaguchi wrote.
Miyaguchi framed her transition as part of a larger vision for Ethereum’s governance and sustainability.
In her announcement, she highlighted Ethereum’s decentralized nature, emphasizing that the protocol does not belong to any single entity.
She referenced Stewart Brand’s “Pace Layering” framework to illustrate Ethereum’s need for different layers of growth and adaptability.
During her tenure, the Ethereum Foundation has contributed to several major developments, including Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake, support for client diversity, and funding for various research and development efforts.
Miyaguchi pointed to the foundation’s “subtraction” philosophy, which aims to reduce centralized control while enabling ecosystem-wide participation.
However, some community members have criticized her tenure, arguing that Ethereum’s scaling solutions have not advanced competitively under her leadership.
The foundation has also faced broader scrutiny over its management and role in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Amid these criticisms, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin also acknowledged Miyaguchi’s contributions.
“The role of an ED is to create an environment where others can shine and do their best work… every success of the EF… is in part a result of Aya’s stewardship,” he stated on X.
The leadership changes at the Ethereum Foundation seek to reinforce technical expertise and maintain the network’s core principles following growing tensions within the community over governance, transparency, and decision-making.
On January 18, 2025, Buterin shared his vision to strengthen collaboration with developers while maintaining the foundation’s political neutrality.
However, calls for internal reform intensified after a controversial year in 2024, during which the foundation was criticized for its spending, personnel policies, and handling of conflicts of interest.
A major flashpoint came in May 2024 when a conflict-of-interest policy was introduced following revelations that researchers, including Justin Drake and Dankrad Feist, had accepted paid advisory roles at EigenLayer. Drake later resigned and apologized, but frustrations over leadership persisted.
Amid mounting pressure, Buterin reaffirmed his authority over foundation decisions and rejected demands that Danny Ryan take a leadership role.
Some supporters cited Ryan’s contributions to Ethereum’s consensus layer upgrade as proof of his leadership potential.
However, Buterin made it clear that leadership changes are his decision alone, dismissing social media campaigns as unhelpful and, at times, harmful.
The discussion took a darker turn as Miyaguchi faced harassment, including death threats. Buterin condemned the toxic behavior, warning that it risked driving away Ethereum’s top talent.
Miyaguchi’s transition to a new role as president signals further structural changes within the foundation as the foundation seeks to balance community expectations with Ethereum’s long-term development goals.
With Buterin asserting control, the Ethereum Foundation’s future direction remains a focal point of discussion for the broader crypto community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Critics argue that Aya Miyaguchi’s leadership lacked competitiveness, faced delays in scaling solutions, and struggled with transparency and governance issues.
Miyaguchi plans to address concerns by strengthening institutional relationships, promoting Ethereum’s decentralized ethos, and fostering community-driven initiatives through the subtraction philosophy.
As president, Miyaguchi will prioritize institutional partnerships, expand Ethereum’s cultural reach, and support decentralized governance while stepping back from direct control.
Vitalik Buterin’s support has softened some criticisms by emphasizing Miyaguchi’s contributions to Ethereum’s growth and her role in fostering a collaborative environment.
The subtraction philosophy ensures Ethereum remains decentralized by minimizing centralized control, distributing opportunities to the community, and prioritizing long-term sustainability.
