Ethereum News Today: SharpLink appoints ex-BlackRock exec Joseph Chalom as co-CEO to drive Ethereum growth

SharpLink Gaming, a company focused on Ethereum treasury management and digital finance innovations, has announced the appointment of Joseph Chalom as co-CEO, effective July 2025 [1]. Chalom, a 20-year veteran of BlackRock, will leverage his expertise in digital assets and blockchain strategy to drive the firm’s growth. His role at BlackRock included leading the development of the firm’s spot Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded fund (ETF) and shaping its broader digital assets business [2]. The move marks a significant transition for both the individual and the crypto industry, as Chalom joins a firm actively engaged in Ethereum’s ecosystem [3].

Chalom’s career at BlackRock positioned him as a key architect of institutional-grade blockchain solutions. During his tenure, he oversaw strategic partnerships, product development, and regulatory frameworks for digital assets, a background that aligns with SharpLink’s mission to advance decentralized finance (DeFi) and financial infrastructure [4]. His departure from BlackRock follows a decade of institutional adoption of crypto assets, including the launch of the firm’s Bitcoin ETF in 2023. Analysts view his appointment as a strategic signal for SharpLink, emphasizing his ability to bridge traditional finance and emerging crypto markets [5].

SharpLink, which manages Ethereum-based treasury solutions, has been expanding its footprint in the digital asset space. The company’s recent hires and partnerships reflect a focus on institutional-grade liquidity and yield strategies for Ethereum holders [6]. By bringing in Chalom, SharpLink aims to accelerate its integration of traditional financial principles with blockchain technology. “I am joining SharpLink because I see a powerful opportunity to help shape the future of financial infrastructure and decentralized finance,” Chalom stated in a press release [7].

The timing of the appointment coincides with growing institutional interest in Ethereum post-ETF approvals and protocol upgrades like Ethereum’s merge. Chalom’s leadership at BlackRock was instrumental in navigating regulatory complexities, a skillset SharpLink will likely rely on as the crypto industry faces evolving compliance demands [8]. His experience in managing large-scale digital asset portfolios for BlackRock’s clients further positions him to address risk management challenges in the decentralized finance sector [9].

The transition has been described as a “major Ethereum leadership shift” within the industry, with some observers noting that Chalom’s move could influence broader adoption of Ethereum-based products among institutional investors [10]. SharpLink’s management has not disclosed specific strategic goals tied to Chalom’s appointment, but the firm emphasized its commitment to innovation in digital finance.

SharpLink’s current CEO, Robert Pythian, will transition to the position of chairman, ensuring continuity within the leadership team as this new chapter begins [3]. Under Joseph Lubin’s leadership since May, SharpLink has pursued a strategy linked with cryptocurrency asset coffers, underscoring Ethereum’s prominence. Lubin, an Ethereum co-founder, has steered the company’s operations with a focus on Ethereum-based technologies.

With upwards of $1.3 billion invested in ETH, SharpLink has cemented its status among the top institutional holders in the industry [1]. This heavy investment highlights the company’s commitment and enhances its influence in the digital asset market. The changes in leadership at SharpLink are poised to strengthen its foothold in the digital financial realm. Chalom’s expertise in both fintech and digital assets is expected to drive SharpLink’s strategy forward substantially [10].

The potential impact on market competition and innovation tracking, owing to this leadership shift, remains to be observed. Key takeaways from SharpLink’s strategic developments include alignment with Ethereum-centric strategies, institutional ETH investments exceeding $1.3 billion, and a bolstered approach to crypto asset management [1]. As the company transitions with Chalom at the helm, the coming months will reveal how these strategic maneuvers impact its position and performance in the increasingly competitive cryptocurrency market [3].

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Source:

[1] [SharpLink Welcomes BlackRock Digital Assets Pioneer Joseph Chalom as Newly Appointed Co-CEO](https://investors.sharplink.com/sharplink-welcomes-blackrock-digital-assets-pioneer-joseph-chalom-as-newly-appointed-co-ceo/)

[2] [Ethereum (ETH) Treasury News: Ex-BlackRock Executive Appointed](https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/07/25/ether-focused-sharplink-appoints-former-blackrock-executive-as-co-ceo)

[3] [BlackRock's crypto chief jumps ship for Ethereum's SharpLink](https://www.dlnews.com/articles/people-culture/blackrock-crypto-chief-joseph-chalom-jumps-ship-for-sharplink-gaming/)

[4] [Former BlackRock Executive Joins SharpLink as Co-CEO](https://www.bankless.com/read/former-blackrock-executive-joins-sharplink-as-co-ceo)

[5] [BlackRock digital assets exec joins ether treasury firm](https://www.pionline.com/people-on-the-move/pi-blackrock-exec-crypto-firm/)

[6] [Joseph Chalom Appointed Co-CEO of SharpLink Gaming](https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Joseph+Chalom+Appointed+Co-CEO+of+SharpLink+Gaming%2C+Inc.+to+Drive+Digital+Finance+Innovations)

[7] [BlackRock Digital Assets Pioneer Chalom Joins SharpLink](https://www.marketsmedia.com/blackrock-digital-assets-pioneer-joseph-chalom-joins-sharplink/)

[8] [BlackRock's digital asset chief departs to join Ethereum's SharpLink](https://cryptobriefing.com/ethereum-leadership-transition-sharplink/)

[9] [Joseph Chalom Joins SharpLink Gaming as co-CEO, jumps ship from BlackRock](https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/joseph-chalom-joins-sharplink-gaming-as-co-ceo-jumps-ship-from-blackrock/ar-AA1JiCup)

[10] [Former BlackRock Executive Joins SharpLink Gaming as Co-CEO](https://bloomingbit.io/en/feed/news/93607)