Ripple CTO David Schwartz to Step Down, Join Board of Directors
September 30, 2025 – In a major leadership shakeup at Ripple, Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz—widely known in the crypto community as “JoelKatz”—announced that he will step back from his day-to-day duties as CTO at the end of this year. Instead, Schwartz will transition to a new role as a member of Ripple’s board of directors.
End of an Era, Start of a New Chapter
Schwartz has been one of the most influential figures in Ripple’s history, serving as CTO for nearly a decade and playing a key role in shaping the company’s blockchain vision, the XRP Ledger’s development, and Ripple’s push for institutional adoption of digital assets.
“The time has come for me to step back from my day-to-day duties as Ripple CTO,” Schwartz said. “But I remain deeply committed to Ripple’s mission and am excited to continue contributing at the board level.”
Why It Matters
●Leadership Shift → Schwartz’s move represents one of the most significant leadership changes Ripple has seen in years.
●Strategic Continuity → By joining the board, Schwartz will continue to guide Ripple’s long-term vision, even as a new CTO takes the reins.
●XRP Ecosystem Impact → With Schwartz seen as a core voice in the XRP community, his transition may spark debate about Ripple’s future direction.
Market Reaction
The announcement sent waves across the XRP community, with many expressing gratitude for Schwartz’s technical leadership while speculating on Ripple’s next moves.
Crypto analysts noted that while the leadership shift could raise short-term uncertainty, Schwartz’s continued presence on the board ensures stability and continuity for Ripple at a pivotal moment in its growth.
Looking Ahead
As Ripple continues its global expansion in payments, tokenization, and CBDC partnerships, the company will soon name a successor to fill Schwartz’s role as CTO.
For now, the crypto world is taking stock: one of its most respected technologists is stepping off the frontlines—but not leaving the fight.