A leadership transition at the Ethereum Foundation (EF) has caught the attention of the crypto community as Aya Miyaguchi, the organization’s CEO since 2018, officially takes on a new role as Chair. The move reflects EF’s efforts to reshape governance and maintain a balance between decentralization and accountability.

Leadership Shift and Community Response

In an official blog post on Tuesday, the Ethereum Foundation announced Miyaguchi’s new role, a decision she said had been in the works for a year. As Chair, Miyaguchi will focus on expanding inter-organizational relationships and advancing Ethereum’s vision on a global scale.

However, the transition comes amid criticism from some members of the Ethereum community about her leadership performance, particularly regarding the delay in scaling the solution and the transparency of the fund.

Vitalik Buterin Speaks Out

In the face of mixed reactions, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin publicly defended Miyaguchi, emphasizing that the role of a CEO at EF is not to run every aspect but to create an environment where others can maximize their potential. Buterin stressed that Miyaguchi has contributed to all of EF's success.

Ethereum's Governance Strategy and Vision

Miyaguchi sees her role transition as part of a long-term vision for Ethereum's governance and sustainability. She emphasized the decentralized nature of the network, arguing that Ethereum is not owned by any entity but rather an open ecosystem, run by the community. To illustrate Ethereum's need to adapt and evolve, she cited Stewart Brand's "Pace Layering" model, emphasizing the importance of layers of development and flexible adaptability.

The "subtract" philosophy was also mentioned by Miyaguchi as a core principle of the Ethereum Foundation. This philosophy aims to minimize centralized control, allowing the ecosystem to operate on its own instead of relying on a single authority.

Challenges for the Ethereum Foundation

The Ethereum Foundation is facing increasing pressure from the community, especially after a controversial year in 2024. Issues over how funds are spent, personnel policies, and conflicts of interest have led some members of the community to call for stronger internal reforms.

One of the biggest flashpoints came in May 2024 when several top Ethereum researchers, including Justin Drake and Dankrad Feist, were found to have paid advisory roles at EigenLayer. The incident raised concerns about conflicts of interest, leading Drake to resign and apologize. However, frustrations over the way the foundation was managed have not completely subsided.

In response, Buterin has reasserted his control over key decisions at the foundation, while rejecting suggestions of a leadership change.

The Future of the Ethereum Foundation Under New Leadership

Miyaguchi’s transition to the role of Chairman could signal a new leadership strategy focused on expanding Ethereum’s reach and fostering global collaboration. Meanwhile, the Ethereum Foundation will continue to face challenges in governance, transparency, and maintaining community trust.

The important question is whether the changes in leadership structure will help EF improve its governance and network growth. As Ethereum continues to grow, strategic decisions made during this period could impact the long-term future of the platform.