The Starknet Foundation (SNF) has announced a significant leadership transition, with CEO Diego Oliva stepping down from his role. Oliva, who has been with the Foundation since its inception in March 2023, will be succeeded by James Strudwick, currently the Head of Ecosystem Growth.
In a statement released on the Foundation’s official blog, SNF praised Oliva for his pivotal role in establishing and growing the organization. Under his leadership, the Foundation expanded from a small team of two part-time employees to over thirty full-time professionals. Oliva was selected as the Foundation’s first CEO for his extensive entrepreneurial experience and his commitment to building a strong, values-driven organization.
During Oliva’s tenure, the SNF launched several key initiatives, including the Provisions project and ecosystem development programs such as DeFi Spring, Seed Grants, and the Catalyst and Propulsion programs. The Foundation also formed partnerships with over 100 infrastructure teams and scaled important programs like Basecamp and Hacker Houses.
The decision to transition leadership comes as Oliva and the Foundation’s board believe it is the right time to hand over the reins. Oliva will remain with the Foundation for the next month to ensure a smooth transition.
