Bitcoin startup Blockstream has a new CEO.

The company said today that its first CEO, Austin Hill, is formally stepping aside, with current president Adam Back being appointed to the role.

Guild of Guardians Built to 'Win' the Web2 Mobile Space: Game Director

13:18

Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO

05:10

Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny

04:07

The first video of the year 2024

40:07

The last regression video of the year 3.67.0

As part of Hill's exit from the firm, he has also stepped down from the board. Blockstream said that Hill was leaving the company to "pursue other opportunities".

Back, a noted cryptographer who is one of the startup's founders, said in a statement:

"I am honored to take on the CEO position at this important phase in the company’s growth and am excited about leading Blockstream to its full potential. We have a worldclass team dedicated to building the foundation that will underpin the transformation of finance for years to come."

It’s been a busy year for Blockstream, which announced $55m in new funding in February. To date, the startup has raised more than $70m in venture capital in order to support its efforts to develop bitcoin-focused initiatives such as sidechains and the Lightning network.

Hill’s exit comes as the startup has moved to bolster its developer ranks. Earlier this summer, Blockstream acquired bitcoin wallet startup GreenAddress, which further boosted its employee base.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

Recommended for you:

Disclosure: CoinDesk is a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which has an ownership stake in Blockstream.

Image via Flickr

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information have been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk has adopted a set of principles aimed at ensuring the integrity, editorial independence and freedom from bias of its publications. CoinDesk is part of the Bullish group, which owns and invests in digital asset businesses and digital assets. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive Bullish group equity-based compensation. Bullish was incubated by technology investor Block.one.