Tomasz Steps Down From EF, Robinhood Chain Testnet - The Daily Gwei Refuel #858 - Ethereum Updates
•February 16, 2026
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Why It Matters
Tomasz’s departure and the EF’s clarified governance reassure investors of organizational stability, while his shift toward AI‑crypto signals a strategic focus that could shape Ethereum’s next wave of innovation.
Key Takeaways
- •Tomasz Trzciński steps down as EF co‑executive director end February
- •He leaves to return to hands‑on building, focusing on AI‑crypto integration
- •EF’s public org chart shows five pillars: protocol, ecode, devcon, operations, privacy
- •Interim co‑ED Bastion assumes leadership while EF searches permanent replacement
- •EF’s formalized processes and expanded teams credited to Tomasz’s tenure
Summary
The Daily Gwei Refuel episode reports that Tomasz Trzciński will leave his role as co‑executive director of the Ethereum Foundation (EF) at the end of February, handing interim duties to Bastion while the foundation conducts a search for a permanent successor. The host highlights the EF’s newly published organizational chart, which divides the foundation into five core pillars—protocol, ecode, devcon, operations, and privacy—plus a communications coordination unit, underscoring a shift toward greater transparency and structural clarity.
During his roughly ten‑month tenure, Tomasz accelerated the formalization of processes, expanded team structures, and increased public communication, transforming the EF from a loosely organized body into a more systematic operation. He cites a desire to return to hands‑on development, specifically at the intersection of artificial intelligence and crypto, as his primary motivation for stepping down, dismissing speculation about internal conflict.
The episode references Tomasz’s own blog post and Twitter thread, where he emphasizes his builder mindset and outlines future AI‑crypto projects. Bastion, introduced as the interim co‑ED, is praised for his listening skills and alignment with Tomasz’s vision, promising continuity in the foundation’s focus on Ethereum’s core strengths—decentralization, security, and censorship resistance.
For the broader ecosystem, the leadership transition signals both stability, given the EF’s newly codified structure, and potential innovation as former executives pivot toward AI‑driven applications. Stakeholders will watch how the permanent appointment balances operational rigor with the emerging AI‑crypto frontier, influencing funding, developer engagement, and Ethereum’s competitive moat.
Original Description
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The Daily Gwei Refuel gives you a recap every week day on everything that happened in the Ethereum and crypto ecosystems over the previous 24 hours - hosted by Anthony Sassano.
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Timestamps and links 👇
00:00 Introductory song
00:10 Tomasz steps down as Co-ED of the EF
15:57 First L1-zkEVM breakout call
17:54 The case for quick slots in Hegota
22:41 Uniswap teams up with BlackRock
26:36 Robinhood chain public testnet now live
28:34 The changing winds of crypto
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DISCLAIMER: All information presented across all of The Daily Gwei's communication channels is strictly for educational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice.
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