Ethereum reshapes protocol roadmap through Pectra and Fusaka

Ethereum underwent significant protocol and organisational changes in 2025 despite subdued price performance.

The year was marked by leadership restructuring, major technical upgrades and renewed strategic focus.

Early 2025 saw internal tension within the Ethereum Foundation following criticism from the community.

Critics accused the foundation of losing direction and called for stronger leadership.

In February, executive director Aya Miyaguchi became president of the foundation.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin pledged to reform leadership structures.

Hsiao-Wei Wang and Tomasz K Stańczak were appointed co-executive directors.

The foundation launched Etherealize as a new marketing and narrative unit.

Danny Ryan, a former researcher, was named to lead the initiative.

Governance reforms continued through spring with board and mission updates.

The foundation refocused its mission around cypherpunk values and protocol stewardship.

Mid-year restructuring consolidated research teams and resulted in layoffs.