Zooko Wilcox, the creator of the privacy-oriented blockchain network Zcash, is stepping down as CEO of Electric Coin Co., the primary developer behind Zcash. Wilcox has served as the project’s leader since its creation in 2015.
The decision was made by the Board of Directors, which includes Alan Fairless, Michelle Lai, Zaki Manian, Christina Garman, and Wilcox himself.
Josh Swihart, who has been with Electric Coin Company (ECC) for five and a half years, will be taking over as the new CEO. Swihart previously served as the company’s marketing director for seven months in 2018 and has been the Senior Vice President of Growth for the past two years.
Swihart is noted for his leadership skills in finding product-market fit, unlocking partnerships, improving Zcash usability, and increasing adoption. Swihart, who took a four-month break from ECC to work as a part-time investor at Denver Angels in Colorado, is seen as having a strong entrepreneurial, technical, and product background. ECC expressed confidence in Swihart’s leadership, emphasizing his vision for ECC and his passion for Zcash.
Swihart, in a blog post, mentioned that Zcash’s focus in the “new season” would be to “find product-market fit.” He outlined near-term priorities, including iterating more quickly, increasing Zcash’s utility, and making Electric Coin Company financially sustainable.
In a separate statement, Wilcox reflected on his time building Zcash, describing it as an incredible experience. He noted the difficulty of separating Zcash from his identity and emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy distinction between the two.
Wilcox, upon stepping down as the CEO of Electric Coin Company, expressed his intention to take a couple of months to reflect on
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