Transitioning Leadership at the Decentraland Foundation

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Hi everyone,

I want to share an important update with the Decentraland community.

After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided that this is the right moment for me to step down as Executive Director of the Decentraland Foundation and transition into an advisor role.

This has not been an easy decision. Decentraland has been a central part of my life for many years — as a co-founder, contributor, and more recently as Executive Director of the Foundation. It has been a privilege to help lead the organization through an important stage of its evolution.

I’m deeply proud of what we have built together: the launch of the new desktop Explorer, meaningful improvements to the platform, stronger creator and community programs, and a more mature Foundation.

At this point, I believe it is the right moment for the Foundation to move into its next chapter of leadership and focus.

As part of this transition, Esteban will step in as Interim Executive Director. He will be working closely with the leadership team to help guide the vision and direction of Decentraland going forward.

Together, they will focus on strengthening and evolving the long-term vision for Decentraland, and ensuring the organization is fully aligned around what we are building and why. I have full confidence in this group and in their ability to shape what comes next.

Importantly, the current leadership team remains fully in place and continues to lead day-to-day execution.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey: contributors, community members, builders, DAO participants, partners, and teammates. Everything Decentraland has achieved has been the result of collective effort, creativity, and belief in what this project can become.

I will remain closely involved as an advisor and continue supporting Esteban and the leadership team as they move into this next chapter.

This next phase is an important one for Decentraland, and I’m excited for what comes next.

Thank you for the trust, the collaboration, and the years we’ve shared building Decentraland together.

Yemel

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Thank you Yemel. You’re the reason the Decentraland Client became something people can actually use. Footage from the early years shows how far it’s come, and that progress traces back to the work you led inside the Foundation. We have solid foundations to build from now, thank you for that gift.

Decentraland should be the best place online to hang out with other humans in a 3D world. Not beholden to corporate mandates, respectful of its players and creators. A space that maintains a humble, humane virtual hub; a relief for these times where the Dead Internet theory is more truth than conspiracy. And most importantly, a joyful experience for everyone who participates.

To the team and community: a lot of good work ahead, and I’m looking forward to it. See you around!

Esteban

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Thank you for your service @yemel and all the good aspects of DCL you and your team have been responsible for.

Welcome back @esteban !!! Definitely missed you and will be celebrating your return :raising_hands:

The show must go on :folded_hands:

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Thank you for all your efforts @yemel. All the best to your future successes.

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Wow, thank you Yemel!

I look forward to hearing more about this important next chapter of focus and long-term vision from the leadership team.

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This is the worst decision ever made. Looking at how he votes and his disconnection from reality, this is a disaster. Anyway, Yemel is a real OG and big respect to him!