Mastodon CEO resigns as social network transitions to non-profit
What's the story
Eugen Rochko, the founder and CEO of open-source social network Mastodon, has announced his resignation. The move comes as part of a larger transition for the organization into a non-profit structure. This is the biggest leadership change in Mastodon's history and aims to secure its long-term sustainability. The decision also gives Rochko some respite after a decade-long commitment to the platform.
Leadership transition
Mastodon's new governance structure and leadership team
Mastodon will now be governed by a board of directors, including Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, Karien Bezuidenhout, and Esra'a Al Shafei. Felix Hlatky has been appointed as the new executive director. Other members of the leadership team are Renaud Chaput (technical director), Andy Piper (head of communications), and Philip Schropel (strategy & product advisor). The organization currently employs 10 full-time staffers.
Future prospects
Hlatky's vision for Mastodon's future
Hlatky, who has a background in business and finance in tech, was consulting for Mastodon before this transition. He hopes to have more conversations with industry stakeholders and the media as part of his new role. Hlatky will also help oversee projects aimed at making Mastodon financially sustainable, including its new hosting and moderation business. Other leadership team members will focus on trust and safety issues, technical infrastructure, and product development.
Future plans
Rochko's journey and future role at Mastodon
Rochko will remain associated with Mastodon as an adviser. He has been paid a one-time compensation of €1 million for his years of service, during which he reportedly accepted less than a fair market salary. In an interview with TechCrunch, Rochko said he felt it was time to step aside as Mastodon had grown beyond his solo management capabilities and admitted to facing burnout.
Nonprofit shift
Mastodon's transition to a non-profit organization
As a non-profit, Mastodon will have access to new funding opportunities, especially in Europe. The organization has already transitioned to a nonprofit in the US and is working on establishing one in Belgium. To facilitate this transition, Mastodon has raised funds from several sources including Stack Exchange founder Jeff Atwood and his family (who donated €2.2 million), alternative app marketplace AltStore (€260,000), Global Chinese Community of Universal Digital Commons (€65,000), and Craigslist founder Craig Newmark.