Ethereum News Today: SharpLink Appoints Former BlackRock Executive Joseph Chalom as Co-CEO to Drive DeFi and Blockchain Growth

SharpLink Gaming, a Nasdaq-listed company with a focus on cryptocurrency assets, has announced the appointment of Joseph Chalom as co-CEO, effective July 24, 2025. Chalom, a former BlackRock executive with over two decades of experience in digital assets, will lead the firm’s strategic initiatives in decentralized finance and blockchain-based financial solutions. His tenure at BlackRock included pivotal roles in launching the firm’s spot Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded fund (ETF) and structuring tokenized asset strategies, cementing his reputation as a leader in institutional crypto adoption [1]. The leadership shift follows a broader trend of traditional finance professionals entering the crypto sector as regulatory clarity and market demand grow [2].

Chalom’s appointment marks a strategic pivot for SharpLink, which already holds over $1.3 billion in ETH, positioning it among the largest institutional holders of the cryptocurrency. The firm’s alignment with Ethereum-centric initiatives under the guidance of co-founder Joseph Lubin—now chairman—has been central to its operations since May 2024. Lubin, who previously emphasized Ethereum’s role in blockchain innovation, will continue to oversee the company’s vision, while Chalom’s expertise in digital asset infrastructure is expected to drive further development of institutional-grade products [3].

SharpLink’s former CEO, Robert Pythian, will transition to the role of chairman, ensuring a smooth leadership transition. This move reinforces the company’s commitment to maintaining operational continuity while expanding its influence in the digital asset market. Chalom’s track record at BlackRock, where he helped streamline institutional access to crypto markets through initiatives like the spot ETH ETF, aligns with SharpLink’s goals to enhance its offerings in tokenized assets and decentralized finance [4]. His statement that he joined SharpLink to “help shape the future of financial infrastructure and decentralized finance” underscores the firm’s focus on bridging traditional and digital financial ecosystems [5].

The leadership change reflects a broader shift in the crypto sector, where institutional credibility and regulatory navigation are critical for growth. Chalom’s background in structuring complex digital asset strategies could bolster SharpLink’s appeal to investors and regulators, particularly as the market grapples with evolving frameworks for tokenized assets and decentralized protocols [6]. However, the firm’s success will depend on its ability to execute these strategies amid market volatility and regulatory uncertainties.

SharpLink’s strategic direction under Chalom’s leadership is expected to emphasize scalability and innovation in digital asset management. The company’s existing investments in ETH and its focus on Ethereum-based technologies suggest a deepening engagement with the ecosystem. By leveraging Chalom’s institutional network and experience in blockchain innovation, SharpLink aims to attract a new wave of investors seeking exposure to crypto markets through trusted, traditional finance channels [7].

The appointment positions SharpLink to compete more effectively in a rapidly evolving landscape. As the firm transitions to a co-CEO structure, the coming months will test its ability to capitalize on Chalom’s expertise while maintaining its operational focus on Ethereum. The market will closely watch how these leadership changes translate into product development, investor confidence, and regulatory engagement.

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[1] [SharpLink Welcomes BlackRock Digital Assets Pioneer][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][https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/07/25/ether-focused-sharplink-appoints-former-blackrock-executive-as-co-ceo]

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

[4] [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]

[5] [BlackRock's crypto chief just jumped ship for Ethereum's][https://www.dlnews.com/articles/people-culture/blackrock-crypto-chief-joseph-chalom-jumps-ship-for-sharplink-gaming/]

[6] [Joseph Chalom joins SharpLink Gaming as co-CEO, jumps][https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/joseph-chalom-joins-sharplink-gaming-as-co-ceo-jumps-ship-from-blackrock/ar-AA1JiCup?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds]

[7] [Former BlackRock Executive Joins SharpLink Gaming][https://www.bloomingbit.io/en/feed/news/93607]