Messari Co-Founder Ryan Selkis Steps Down as CEO After Aggressive Political Tweets

Messari co-founder Ryan Selkis resigns as CEO following controversial political tweets, with Chief Revenue Officer Eric Turner stepping in as interim CEO.

Points

• Ryan Selkis resigns after controversial tweets.
• Eric Turner appointed as interim CEO.
• Selkis to focus on long-term strategy as a senior adviser.
• Tweets included incitements to civil war and anti-immigration rhetoric.

Ryan Selkis, the co-founder and former CEO of crypto analytics firm Messari, has stepped down following a series of inflammatory tweets that incited civil war and expressed anti-immigration sentiments. The decision to resign comes after Selkis made several controversial posts on the social media platform X.

Selkis announced his resignation on Friday, stating that his recent political rhetoric had put the Messari team “in harm’s way” for the first time in the company’s 6.5-year history. He will transition to a senior adviser role, focusing on long-term strategy for Messari.

The departure follows a tough week for Selkis, who faced significant backlash after the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump. In response, Selkis posted that anyone voting against Trump “can die in a f—king fire” and called for “literal war.” He also made anti-immigration comments, telling a green card holder, “I hope we send you back,” during an online exchange.

Molly White, a prominent critic of the crypto industry, compiled and shared Selkis’s tweets, which fueled the controversy. Messari’s Chief Revenue Officer Eric Turner will now serve as interim CEO. Turner emphasized that Selkis’s public persona does not represent Messari’s internal operations, and the company will continue to function as usual.

解説

• Leadership Transition: The resignation of a high-profile CEO can significantly impact a company’s strategic direction and public perception. Eric Turner’s interim appointment aims to stabilize Messari during this transitional period.
• Public Accountability: Selkis’s resignation underscores the importance of accountability for public statements, especially those made by influential figures in the crypto industry. The rapid dissemination of controversial tweets can lead to swift and severe professional repercussions.
• Corporate Image: Maintaining a positive corporate image is crucial, particularly in the volatile crypto market. Messari’s quick response to distance itself from Selkis’s comments reflects its commitment to preserving its reputation and investor trust.
• Strategic Focus: By shifting Selkis to a senior adviser role, Messari leverages his expertise while mitigating the impact of his controversial statements. This strategy allows the company to benefit from his vision without ongoing

public relations issues.