BlockBeats News, March 17th, according to The Block, cryptocurrency market data platform Messari announced that CEO Eric Turner has stepped down, and the company has simultaneously conducted layoffs to transform its focus on AI business.
On Monday, Messari Chief Technology Officer Diran Li announced in a post on X that, following discussions with the board of directors, Turner has formally stepped down, with him taking over the CEO role. Turner also confirmed this transition on social media, stating that he will continue to serve as an advisor. Turner took over as CEO in 2024, succeeding founder Ryan Selkis—who resigned after making a series of controversial statements on X. Regarding the layoffs, Li wrote: “This transition also includes a difficult decision: we are parting ways with many team members who have helped Messari get to where it is today.” Li did not disclose the specific number of layoffs. He explained that the restructuring aims to position Messari as an “AI-first” company, serving institutional clients through research and AI-driven products.
Messari is not the only cryptocurrency company to have conducted layoffs recently. Last week, Optimism developer OP Labs announced a reduction of about 20% of its team members; last month, Jack Dorsey’s Block Inc. announced the elimination of nearly 4,000 positions; Gemini also cut 25% of its staff to focus on its U.S. business. Founded in 2018, Messari is a blockchain research company known for publishing cryptocurrency industry analysis reports, providing market data, and hosting the annual New York Mainnet conference.
