Ethereum Foundation leadership transition in 2026

Tomasz Stańczak will step down as Ethereum Foundation co-executive director in February 2026. Bastian Aue will succeed him alongside Hsiao-Wei Wang. Stańczak will stay active in core development.

Tomasz Stańczak will step down as co-executive director of the Ethereum Foundation at the end of February 2026, concluding a tenure marked by major organizational reforms and leadership restructuring. Bastian Aue will assume the interim co-executive director role alongside Hsiao-Wei Wang. Stańczak's leadership began amid governance criticism, compensation disputes, and concerns over transparency and centralization. His mandate focused on operational reform, treasury clarity, and strengthening the foundation’s institutional position as Ethereum faced growing competition. The foundation credits Stańczak with expanding its ability to collaborate with broader teams. The transition is described as preplanned, with Stańczak noting that core restructuring goals have been achieved. He will remain active in Ethereum core development, focusing on protocol, governance, and technical innovation as Ethereum continues to evolve.