Ethereum Foundation's Miyaguchi Steps Up as President Amidst Community Scrutiny

Aya Miyaguchi, the Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation (EF), has stepped into a new role as the organization's president. This transition comes amidst heightened scrutiny from some Ethereum community members regarding her leadership and the foundation's overall direction. Miyaguchi, who has served as the EF's executive director since 2018, will now focus on institutional relationships and expanding Ethereum's reach in her new position.

Miyaguchi framed her transition as part of a larger vision for Ethereum's governance and sustainability. She highlighted the protocol's decentralized nature and referenced Stewart Brand's "Pace Layering" framework to illustrate Ethereum's need for different layers of growth and adaptability. During her tenure, the Ethereum Foundation has contributed to several major developments, including Ethereum's transition to proof-of-stake, support for client diversity, and funding for various research and development efforts.

However, some community members have criticized Miyaguchi's tenure, arguing that Ethereum's scaling solutions have not advanced competitively under her leadership. The foundation has also faced broader scrutiny over its management and role in the Ethereum ecosystem. Amid these criticisms, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin acknowledged Miyaguchi's contributions, stating that her stewardship has been instrumental in the foundation's successes.

The leadership changes at the Ethereum Foundation seek to reinforce technical expertise and maintain the network's core principles following growing tensions within the community over governance, transparency, and decision-making. A major flashpoint came in May 2024 when a conflict-of-interest policy was introduced following revelations that researchers had accepted paid advisory roles at EigenLayer. Miyaguchi's transition to a new role as president signals further structural changes within the foundation as the foundation seeks to balance community expectations with Ethereum's long-term development goals.

Miyaguchi's transition to a new role as president signals further structural changes within the foundation as the foundation seeks to balance community expectations with Ethereum's long-term development goals. With Buterin asserting control, the Ethereum Foundation's future direction remains a focal point of discussion for the broader crypto community.