Ripple Announces Leadership Change
Ripple has confirmed a shift in leadership, with longtime CTO David Schwartz transitioning to an emeritus role on the board of directors.
Ripple has shared that David Schwartz, a veteran executive, has stepped back from his daily responsibilities. His official departure from the company took place at the end of December 2025, and he has now taken on the title of Honorary CTO.
This marks the end of a 13-year journey at Ripple, during which Mr. Schwartz played a crucial role in shaping the company’s technology strategy and leading its engineering team. His impact on Ripple’s cross-border payments infrastructure has been significant.
Leadership Transition After 13 Years
Schwartz is famously recognized as the co-designer of the XRP Ledger, contributing to its foundational architecture and technical direction for over a decade. His efforts have greatly influenced Ripple’s products and the larger blockchain landscape.
Along with his new board position, Ripple mentioned that discussions regarding his honorary CTO status are ongoing, allowing him to maintain a strategic involvement.
Reflecting on the past 40 years has been quite the journey. From consulting for the NSA to witnessing the birth of Bitcoin. Collaborating with Arthur, Jed, and Chris to develop the XRP ledger has been remarkable. Time has truly flown by…
— David ‘JoelKatz’ Schwartz (@JoelKatz) September 30, 2025
Schwartz revealed his retirement plans in October 2025, indicating that it stemmed from personal priorities. He expressed a desire to continue contributing meaningfully while stepping back from the daily grind.
After reflecting on this transition, he shared that family time and personal hobbies were motivating factors. His announcement was echoed across social media.
Ripple is also implementing another leadership plan, appointing Dennis Jarosch, the former senior vice president of engineering, to oversee technical operations. The company characterized this transition as both strategic and forward-thinking.
Executives have praised Schwartz for his long-standing contributions, with Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, specifically recognizing his role in establishing the company’s technological culture. Other leaders echoed similar sentiments following the announcement.
Aside from his role at Ripple, Schwartz is now serving as a strategic advisor for Evernorth, further expanding his involvement in the tech sector without impacting his honorary position.
Schwartz to Focus on XRPL and Broader Ecosystem
Even with his leadership exit, Schwartz has indicated he won’t be stepping away from development entirely. He intends to engage more with hands-on projects within the XRP Ledger ecosystem, focusing on research and experimentation.
Schwartz also mentioned interests in developing applications beyond Ripple’s primary services. He expressed concern regarding independent ecosystem growth in areas like developer services and alternative payment options.
This change officially took effect on September 30, 2025, and industry feedback has been generally favorable, celebrating Schwartz’s legacy. His technical guidance is viewed as pivotal in enhancing Ripple’s reputation.
Ultimately, this leadership transition signals Ripple’s evolution as a company. While leadership roles are changing, the support systems remain intact, suggesting that Schwartz’s influence will continue as Ripple progresses with its initiatives.
