KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Tomasz, co-Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation, will step down in February 2026, with Bastian Aue taking over.
- Ethereum is positioned as a key infrastructure for emerging technologies, including AI and stablecoins.
- The Ethereum Foundation plans to focus on post-quantum security and decentralized AI in its future roadmap.
- Tomasz will continue to contribute to Ethereum’s core development and engage with frontier tech founders.
Tomasz, the co-Executive Director (co-ED) of the Ethereum Foundation (EF), has announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of February 2026. This transition will see Bastian Aue take over the co-ED position alongside Hsiao-Wei. Tomasz shared his reflections on the future of Ethereum and the EF in a detailed statement, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the Ethereum ecosystem.
In his announcement, Tomasz emphasized the bright future for Ethereum and its builders, despite the uncertainties that often accompany technological advancements. He noted the significant role Ethereum plays as a foundational infrastructure for emerging technologies, including automated interactions and AI-driven applications. Tomasz expressed confidence that Ethereum will continue to serve as a critical layer for coordinating these technologies.
He also highlighted Ethereum’s growing market share in stablecoins and real-world asset (RWA) activity, positioning it as a preferred choice for institutions due to its credible neutrality, decentralization, and consistent uptime. Tomasz mentioned the upcoming major institutional Ethereum conference in New York, reflecting Ethereum’s increasing presence in global financial centers.
Leadership Transition and Future Plans
As Tomasz prepares to pass the baton, he expressed satisfaction with the progress made during his tenure. He noted that the EF has become more adept at accelerating decision-making, engaging younger generations, and fostering transparency. The EF’s roadmap for 2026 and beyond includes a proposal for a merged LEAN Ethereum and core development roadmap, aimed at providing clear guidance for the Ethereum protocol’s future.
Tomasz also highlighted the EF’s focus on post-quantum security, decentralized AI, and the success of founders and institutions building on Ethereum. The EF’s efforts to improve communication and coordination have been supported by teams at ethereum.org and forkcast.org.
Looking ahead, Tomasz plans to remain involved in the Ethereum ecosystem, focusing on core development and working directly with founders in frontier tech. He expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing transformation within the EF and the broader Ethereum community.
Community and Institutional Engagement
During his time at the EF, Tomasz engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including builders, financiers, educators, and policymakers. He expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration he received from the community and the EF board. Tomasz acknowledged the contributions of key individuals such as Bastian Aue, Josh Stark, and Tju Liang, who have played significant roles in driving the EF’s strategic direction.
The EF continues to focus on strengthening its relationships with institutions and supporting the DeFi ecosystem. The organization is also committed to maintaining its cypherpunk ethos, with efforts to enhance privacy and security through initiatives like the Trillion Dollar Security program.
For more details on Tomasz’s announcement, visit the official Ethereum Foundation blog here.
Why This Matters: Impact, Industry Trends & Expert Insights
Tomasz, the co-Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation, is stepping down at the end of February 2026, with Bastian Aue set to succeed him. This leadership transition is significant as it occurs during a pivotal time for Ethereum’s ecosystem and future developments.
A recent industry report highlights Ethereum’s ongoing ecosystem developments, including the growth of Layer 2 solutions and the tokenization of real-world assets. These trends are crucial as they align with the Ethereum Foundation’s focus on scalability and institutional engagement, which is underscored by the leadership change.
As per insights from Ainvest, the strategic timing of Tomasz’s departure and Bastian Aue’s appointment is viewed as enhancing Ethereum’s scaling and usability. This supports the Ethereum Foundation’s ongoing efforts to maintain its competitive edge and drive further adoption in the face of market challenges.
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