Vitalik Buterin Issues Statement on Top Ethereum Foundation Exec. Exit

Wang Steps Down After Sabbatical

Hsiao-Wei Wang has resigned as co-executive director and board member of the Ethereum Foundation, effective immediately, leaving Bastian Aue as the organisation's sole executive director. She had served as co-executive director since March 2025, after years as a core contributor to Ethereum's research and protocol development work. She joined the Ethereum Foundation Research team in mid-2017 as a core Layer 1 researcher, working on sharding proofs-of-concept, consensus mechanisms, and the Beacon Chain design that supported Ethereum's shift to proof-of-stake.

Wang announced her departure effective immediately, following a period of sabbatical, saying the time away helped her reflect on her priorities and led her to conclude this was the right moment to step back. During Wang's sabbatical, Bastian Aue helped oversee the leadership transition and has taken on a larger role in guiding the organisation in the interim following the departures of both co-executive directors.

Vitalik Buterin responded publicly to Wang's exit, praising her decade of contributions to the ecosystem. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recognised Wang's immense contributions over the past ten years, calling her "a steadfast contributor" to the ecosystem. He said she handled one of the Foundation's toughest leadership roles with skill and grace.

Another Exit in a Turbulent Year for the Ethereum Foundation

Wang's departure is the latest in a sustained wave of senior exits at the organisation. Her departure follows that of fellow co-executive director Tomasz Stańczak, who announced his resignation earlier this year, leaving the foundation without permanent dual leadership for the second time in 2026. At least ten senior researchers and leaders have left the organisation this year, including protocol coordinator Tim Beiko, consensus researcher Carl Beekhuizen, operations lead Josh Stark, and ecosystem organiser Trent Van Epps.

The exits are unfolding against the backdrop of a significant strategic shift. The Foundation has been implementing what it calls a "Lean Ethereum" strategy, a pivot that reframes the organisation as a steward of the network rather than its owner, involving a reduction in staff and a tighter focus on core protocol tasks.

While stepping away from her executive responsibilities, Wang said she still considers herself part of Ethereum as she figures out her next steps and spends more time at home. The foundation has not announced a replacement for either co-executive director role.

Sources
CoinDesk: Ethereum Foundation loses another key leader as co-executive director Hsiao-Wei Wang resigns
The Block: Ethereum Foundation co-executive director and board member Hsiao-Wei Wang steps down
Crypto Briefing: Hsiao-Wei Wang steps down as Ethereum Foundation co-executive director