Josh Stark, a key researcher and project manager at the Ethereum Foundation, has announced his departure from the organization after five years. Stark cited a need for personal time with family and friends, stating he has no immediate future plans.
Stark's exit marks a high-profile departure from the Foundation, which underwent significant leadership restructuring in 2025. This shift, initiated by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, aimed to introduce new talent, enhance decentralization, and focus on protocol improvements like faster transaction speeds. Buterin emphasized that the Foundation would not engage in lobbying or represent vested interests.
Following these changes, the Ethereum Foundation officially announced new leadership in March 2025, with Hsiao-Wei Wang and Tomasz Stańczak joining as co-directors. Stańczak has since stepped down, while Wang remains on the management board.