In a significant shift within the Ethereum Foundation (EF), Tomasz announced his decision to step down from his co-executive director (co-ED) role, effective at the end of February 2026. The transition will see Bastian Aue take on the co-ED responsibilities alongside Hsiao-Wei, marking a new chapter for the organization and the wider Ethereum ecosystem.
As competing ideas and fluctuating markets continue to emerge in the blockchain landscape, the need for clarity has never been more pressing. Tomasz highlighted the importance of a deep understanding of Ethereum’s technology, governance, and the shared values within the community. He believes that despite the uncertainties, this understanding will guide the community toward a brighter future, rich with opportunities for builders and innovators.
Tomasz has engaged in extensive contemplation regarding Ethereum’s trajectory, observing a notable transition toward Ethereum as a foundational layer for financial infrastructure. He envisions a world where automated interactions, artificial intelligence, and innovative governance models are commonplace, predicting that Ethereum will play a pivotal role in the coordination of these technological advancements. Open-source large language models (LLMs) are gaining traction, creating exciting opportunities for developers and creators, albeit with emerging privacy and security challenges.
In 2025, Ethereum solidified its position as a leading choice for institutions, characterized by its growing market share in stablecoins and real-world asset (RWA) transactions. Its attributes of credible neutrality and decentralization have drawn institutional interest, with the anticipation of a major Ethereum conference set to take place in New York this year.
As Tomasz prepares to step down, he emphasized the transformative changes achieved at the EF during his tenure. His focus has been on making the co-ED role impactful, fostering an environment where extraordinary talent can thrive within the Ethereum community. Over the past year, several initiatives have been executed to streamline decision-making processes, enhance communication, and nurture relationships with new generations of builders.
Looking ahead, the EF plans to unveil a merged LEAN Ethereum and core development roadmap, outlining future directions for the Ethereum protocol. In collaboration with leading quantum security researchers, the EF is also prioritizing post-quantum security in its strategic framework. With a dedicated team working on decentralized AI and ecosystem development, the organization is keen on enhancing support for builders and institutions exploring Ethereum.
A continued dialogue around the Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2) relationship aims to clarify the role of various scaling solutions, ensuring that trade-offs between decentralization and user experience are well understood. Through collaborative efforts with Ethereum L2s, the EF is poised to innovate in scalability and interoperability, with rollups consistently outperforming alternative Layer 1 solutions in metrics such as stablecoin usage and transactions per second (TPS).
As the Ethereum Foundation embraces institutional and application spaces while maintaining a foundation rooted in cypherpunk ideals, the community is energized by upcoming events like Devcon Mumbai. This will bring together blockchain leaders and innovators in a region long overdue for such recognition.
Tomasz expressed his excitement about the future impact of the EF and the broader Ethereum community, noting the organization’s enhanced ability to engage with new builders and the ongoing efforts at local hubs worldwide. The EF’s DeFi coordination team is set to release a roadmap soon, showcasing their plans to further support the Decentralized Finance ecosystem.
With a firm grasp on the future of Ethereum in mind, Tomasz shared his intention to remain involved, emphasizing his availability to support community members and leaders. He plans to return to his roots in core development while fostering innovation in areas such as agentic governance.
In his concluding remarks, he expressed profound gratitude to the EF board, his co-leaders, and countless contributors within the Ethereum community. Tomasz’s journey through various countries, meeting diverse stakeholders and receiving support and feedback, has enriched his experience and shaped the Ethereum Foundation’s path forward. His commitment to the vision of Ethereum continues as he embarks on this new chapter.
