Eric Conner, a prominent core developer in the Ethereum ecosystem, has announced his departure from the community after 11 years of involvement.
Conner cited concerns about leadership within the Ethereum Foundation, following statements by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin asserting sole authority over the foundation until ongoing reforms are complete.
Leadership Concerns Spark Departure
Conner’s decision, shared on Jan. 21 via X (Twitter), comes in response to Buterin’s announcement regarding the EF’s leadership structure. In a post, Buterin stated, “The person deciding the new EF leadership team is me. One of the goals of the ongoing reform is to give the EF a ‘proper board,’ but until that happens, it’s me.”
While Buterin’s assertion was met with support from parts of the community, others criticized the move, questioning its alignment with Ethereum’s ethos of decentralization. Conner sided with the critics, expressing his discontent with the current direction of leadership.
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Focus on New Ventures
As he exits the Ethereum community, Conner announced plans to pivot his career toward exploring the intersection of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. He revealed that he will begin this new chapter with Freysa AI, signalling a fresh start beyond Ethereum.
Conner’s departure follows his vocal support for Danny Ryan, a researcher and developer within Ethereum’s ecosystem. In a Jan. 15 post, Conner had called for Ryan to assume a leadership role within the EF, stating, “If the EF doesn’t hire Danny Ryan as ED of the EF, it’s revolt time.” This plea went unheeded, contributing to Conner’s decision to leave.
Community Reactions and Broader Implications
Conner’s exit highlights the growing tensions within Ethereum’s governance. While Buterin aims to reform the EF and establish a formal board, his interim centralization of authority has sparked debate over the blockchain’s foundational principles.
Critics argue that the lack of a transparent and decentralized governance model could undermine Ethereum’s reputation as a pioneer of blockchain innovation.
Meanwhile, Justin Sun, founder of Tron, has proposed a bold vision for the Ethereum Foundation under his potential leadership. Sun claimed that his leadership could propel ETH to a price target of $10,000, adding another layer of intrigue to Ethereum’s leadership debate.
As Ethereum navigates these challenges, Conner’s departure underscores the importance of aligning leadership structures with the community’s values.
The ongoing reforms within the EF will play a crucial role in shaping Ethereum’s future, particularly as it balances innovation with its commitment to decentralization.
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