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Ethereum Foundation Leadership Exodus Re-engages Co-Director

Hsiao-Wei Wang has resigned as co-executive director and member of the Ethereum Foundation (EF) board, effective immediately. He becomes the second person to leave a top leadership position in 2026.

After taking a long leave, Wang said that his free time made him reevaluate his life priorities. He plans to remain part of the broader Ethereum ecosystem
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and will continue contributing to its growth from outside the organization.

Nine Years at the Core Foundation

Wang joined the EF research team in 2017 and was promoted to co-executive director in April 2025. He has contributed to several major protocol upgrades over nearly a decade. Including Beacon Chain, The Merge, Shapella, and Dencun.

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin responded on X, calling Wang a dedicated contributor to the ecosystem for a decade with the foundation. He stated that Wang successfully carried out leadership roles within the foundation with skill and honor during one of the most challenging times.

His departure follows the footsteps of former co-executive director Tomasz Stańczak, who resigned at the end of February. Afterward, Bastian Aue took on the role of interim co-director. The Ethereum Foundation introduced a new leadership arrangement at the start of 2026 in response to community pressure.

Eight Resignations from Ethereum Foundation Raise Questions

Wang’s resignation is the latest in a pattern that has become increasingly common. At least eight senior researchers and executives have left EF since January. As a result, this wave of resignations continues to raise questions about EF’s governance and strategic direction.

Community questions regarding Ethereum Foundation leadership increased throughout 2026. Critics highlighted the rapid decision-making in protocol upgrades and the lack of visible long-term vision. To address this pressure, EF restructured their core team earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the foundation has been trying to respond from various angles. They announced a broader leadership restructuring to align with community expectations. Separately, Vitalik also mentioned a reduction in EF’s influence as part of a push toward more decentralized oversight.

However, the wave of resignations continues. EF is now entering a transition period with a completely new executive leadership structure.

In his farewell message, Wang called on the global community to advance Ethereum independently. He closed his message by encouraging developers and contributors worldwide to take on an important role in the network’s future. He described his departure as a personal adjustment, not a retreat from the ecosystem.

Whether the restructured leadership can restore internal stability remains uncertain. If further resignations occur, the organization’s position in the eyes of developers and researchers could continue to be tested in the coming months.