Crypto exchange Bitstamp has changed its CEO

On Monday morning, representatives of the crypto exchange officially confirmed the rumors published by The Block over the weekend — Julian Sawyer has left the company.

In a statement that surprised many market participants, Sawyer’s replacement was commented on as follows: «he has decided to pursue other opportunities».

Sawyer, who had been in his position for 18 months, will be replaced by Mr. Gratier, CEO of the exchange’s European business. Gratier headed the KYC department of the exchange from November 2014 to February 2016, after which he spent almost 5 years at eBay. Recently, he returned to Bitstamp as the CEO for Europe.

«Gratier has been with Bitstamp since its inception and has done a great job leading our European business over the past year. We are delighted to welcome a CEO with such an impressive track record and look forward to the contributions and perspectives he will bring to the company in his new role,» said Nicholas Huss, Bitstamp’s chairman of the board, in a statement.

Bitstamp volumes account for 2% of the spot trade between cryptocurrencies and fiat.