Ethereum Foundation's Hsiao-Wei Wang steps down amid leadership exodus
In brief
- Hsiao-Wei Wang resigned as co-executive director effective immediately after sabbatical
- Ethereum Foundation has logged 19 departures and layoffs in 2025
- Vitalik Buterin: foundation is one node among many, not Ethereum's center
- Foundation revised mandate in March to emphasize decentralization and sustainability
- Departures reflect competition pressures and governance strategy debate
A Departing Co-Executive
Hsiao-Wei Wang announced she had stepped down effective immediately, having held one of the foundation's most demanding positions. Vitalik Buterin acknowledged that Wang had taken on "the most challenging position in the Ethereum Foundation" alongside Tomasz Stanczak, who also stepped down from his leadership role earlier this year.
Wang stated that Ethereum has always been bigger than any role. She indicated she has not yet decided what comes next following her departure.
A Broader Exodus
The Ethereum Foundation has logged an estimated 19 layoffs and departures this year. The wave of departures comes as the foundation grapples with intensifying competition, ongoing debate over Ethereum's governance and long-term development strategy, and continued pressure on Ether's market performance.
In March, the foundation unveiled a revised mandate that places greater emphasis on decentralization. Buterin framed the foundation's role carefully, stating it "is not the 'center of Ethereum,' rather [...] 'one node, with a defined purpose, alongside other nodes.'" The foundation's ultimate goal is for Ethereum to pass the walkaway test, where the protocol and core application layers would continue to function reliably even if the foundation and today's core developers disappeared.
Looking Forward
Recent comments from Buterin also signal shifting thinking on core infrastructure. He stated that the original vision for layer-2 networks "no longer makes sense," contending that many have failed to achieve meaningful decentralization. These remarks underscore broader questions about Ethereum's technical direction and the foundation's role in stewarding it as the ecosystem matures.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Hsiao-Wei Wang leave the Ethereum Foundation?
Wang announced her departure following a recent sabbatical but did not disclose specific reasons. She indicated she hasn't yet decided what she'll do next. Buterin noted she held one of the foundation's most challenging positions.
How many people have left the Ethereum Foundation this year?
The foundation has logged an estimated 19 layoffs and departures in 2025, including co-executive director Tomasz Stanczak earlier in the year. This exodus has intensified debate over the foundation's governance and role.
What is the Ethereum Foundation's role in the network?
Vitalik Buterin stated the foundation is 'one node, with a defined purpose, alongside other nodes' — not the center of Ethereum. Its ultimate goal is for Ethereum to pass the walkaway test, meaning the protocol would function reliably even if the foundation and today's core developers disappeared.
