Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI), will resign from her position in January 2025 after three years at the helm. Warren announced her departure on December 13, 2024, via X (formerly Twitter), stating she will transition to the role of Senior Global Policy Officer to provide continued support. Ji Kim, CCI’s Chief Legal Officer, will assume the role of Acting CEO.
Warren’s leadership at CCI spanned a period of significant transformation in the cryptocurrency landscape. She oversaw the organization during the FTX collapse and increasing regulatory scrutiny under SEC Chair Gary Gensler. In her announcement, Warren reflected on these challenges, expressing optimism for the future of CCI and its pursuit of a balanced regulatory framework in Washington. She highlighted the stark contrast between the current crypto environment and the industry landscape when she first joined CCI.
During her tenure, CCI actively advocated for sensible cryptocurrency regulations globally, engaging with policymakers and providing input on proposed legislation. The organization has focused on expanding its influence across Asia, Europe, and Africa. A key event in 2024 included Warren’s participation in a bipartisan roundtable discussion with U.S. Congress members, a Biden administration advisor, and crypto industry leaders, demonstrating progress toward establishing cryptocurrency as a nonpartisan issue.
Warren’s resignation coincides with anticipated changes in the U.S. political and regulatory landscape. The incoming Trump administration, coupled with the departure of SEC Chair Gary Gensler and the nomination of pro-crypto former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins, has fueled optimism for a more favorable regulatory environment for the crypto industry. Some industry leaders, such as Marcin Kaźmierczak, co-founder of RedStone, believe the Trump administration could propel decentralized finance (DeFi) from a niche market into the mainstream, fostering innovation and investment.
This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for CCI, a prominent advocate for the digital asset ecosystem. Prior to leading CCI, Warren founded the World Economic Forum’s blockchain and digital assets team and was recognized as one of the most powerful women in Washington, D.C., by The Washingtonian in 2023. Moving forward, Warren intends to continue contributing to innovation and positive change within the industry. Her departure from CCI signifies the end of an era but also opens up new opportunities for the organization under its new leadership.
