Aya Miyaguchi to become president of Ethereum Foundation

Key Takeaways

• Aya Miyaguchi will transition from Executive Director to President of the Ethereum Foundation.
• EF's role is to support Ethereum's values and ensure it remains resilient as a network and ecosystem.

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Aya Miyaguchi, current Executive Director, will move to the role of President of the Ethereum Foundation (EF), a transition planned for the past year, she announced in a Tuesday blog post.

In her new role, Miyaguchi will lead efforts to enhance EF’s institutional partnerships and expand the organization’s overall vision and culture.

“Ethereum belongs to everyone precisely because it belongs to no one,” Miyaguchi wrote in her announcement. “Our culture of permissionlessness doesn’t just tolerate disagreement — it grows stronger through it.”

Miyaguchi also noted that EF’s role has never been to control all aspects of Ethereum.

“Our responsibility—our accountability—lies in upholding Ethereum’s values,” she stated. “Through both our actions and our non-actions, we are accountable for ensuring that Ethereum remains resilient, not just as a network, but as a broader ecosystem of people, ideas, and values.”

In her seven years at the EF, Miyaguchi has overseen several key initiatives, fostering client diversity, supporting R&D interoperability, and coordinating development calls.

Reflecting on her tenure, she singled out the Merge, the landmark event where Ethereum transitioned from Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake, as a particular achievement that required “leadership without control, coordination without centralization.”

“When I first discussed the possibility of transitioning to President with Vitalik a year ago, it was with the intention of continuing to nurture the unique culture of Ethereum, and serving as a voice to bridge the gap between Ethereum and the broader global community,” Miyaguchi wrote.

Ethereum’s co-founder Vitalik Buterin also wrote statements expressing his recognition for her contribution to the EF and congratulating her on her new position.

Miyaguchi’s announcement comes as the EF is undergoing a leadership restructuring process , as shared by Buterin last month.

The restructuring occurs against a backdrop of community scrutiny, particularly regarding the Foundation’s treasury management, which has placed Miyaguchi under increased pressure.

Some Ethereum community members have expressed dissatisfaction with Miyaguchi’s leadership, citing perceived inefficiencies and calling for her resignation. There have been calls for Miyaguchi to be replaced by Danny Ryan, a prominent Ethereum researcher and developer.

Buterin has publicly defended Miyaguchi, condemning what he termed ‘toxic behavior’ and asserting his ultimate authority over the Foundation’s leadership decisions.

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