Ethereum Foundation (EF) has undergone a significant leadership shift following mounting criticism over its management and Ethereum’s sluggish price performance.
With Solana gaining retail traction, EF faced pressure to revitalise its direction. Aya Miyaguchi, previously Executive Director, has transitioned to President, while Tomasz Stanczak (Nethermind) and Hsiao Weii (EF Researcher) step in as co-Executive Directors.
These changes, effective from March 17, aim to bring fresh leadership and a clearer vision. However, concerns remain about EF’s ability to adapt efficiently.
Miscommunication and the “Silviculture Society” Controversy
Alongside the leadership overhaul, Ethereum’s community was caught off guard by the poorly communicated introduction of the “Silviculture Society.” The announcement, intended to introduce an advisory group, instead created confusion due to its vague and abstract messaging.
Many community members, including prominent figures, criticised EF’s presentation of the initiative, arguing that its lack of clarity alienated rather than engaged the Ethereum ecosystem.
Vitalik Buterin later clarified that the Silviculture Society is a non-paid advisory group formed to offer input on core cypherpunk and regenerative finance values.
Members of the group will provide guidance on key issues, such as wallet security and network governance, through dedicated communication channels. While the initiative itself is well-intentioned, the backlash highlighted a recurring problem within EF—poor communication.
Critics have long argued that the Ethereum Foundation needs a dedicated Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to bridge the gap between leadership decisions and community expectations.
The Silviculture Society’s rollout only reinforced this view, as the announcement felt disconnected and lacked the transparency expected of a leading blockchain organisation. Calls for improved messaging continue, with many urging EF to refine its public communication strategy.
Etherealize and the Future of Ethereum’s Governance
Beyond EF’s internal restructuring, another development has sparked speculation within the Ethereum ecosystem. Danny Ryan, a highly regarded Ethereum researcher, recently joined Etherealize, a new initiative designed to connect institutions with Ethereum’s growing ecosystem.
This move has led to speculation that Etherealize may function as a secondary foundation, complementing EF’s work while diversifying Ethereum’s governance structure.
Vitalik Buterin has emphasised that Ethereum is no longer solely reliant on EF. The ecosystem has evolved into a vast network of contributors, or “gardeners,” who each play a role in its growth.
Etherealize’s emergence signals a shift towards a more decentralised governance model, where multiple organisations support Ethereum’s development rather than a single central entity. This diversification may strengthen Ethereum’s resilience, ensuring that its growth isn’t bottlenecked by EF alone.
The announcement of Etherealize was met with optimism at Ethereum Denver 2025, where key figures discussed the need for younger leadership, faster decision-making, and a more responsive governance model.
Ethereum’s competition has grown, and to remain at the forefront, the network needs to adapt quickly. Initiatives like Etherealize could offer a new approach to engaging institutions and expanding Ethereum’s influence beyond its traditional developer-driven community.
Conclusion
Ethereum’s latest developments mark a pivotal moment for its governance. The restructuring of EF leadership aims to address inefficiencies, while the Silviculture Society controversy highlights the need for clearer communication.
Meanwhile, Etherealize’s emergence suggests Ethereum’s governance may become more distributed over time. Whether these changes will strengthen Ethereum’s position remains to be seen.
However, with new leadership, evolving governance structures, and increased institutional engagement, Ethereum is entering a phase of transformation that will shape its trajectory for years to come.