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Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis announced a significant leadership change, appointing co-founder Jonathan Levin as its new chief executive officer, effective December 3, 2024.
Levin, who previously served as chief strategy officer, succeeds co-founder Michael Gronager, who took a personal leave of absence from the firm in October – a move that was said to be temporary back then, when he was replaced by interim CEO Sari Granat, who will now return to her prior role as president and chief operating officer.
Additionally, the company has added seasoned finance and technology executive Paul Auvil to its board of directors as an independent member and chair of the Audit Committee, according to a statement on Thursday.
Levin brings a decade of experience in cryptocurrency and blockchain strategy, having co-founded Chainalysis in 2014. He has been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth, leading teams across strategy, sales, marketing, R&D, and government affairs. Known as a trusted advisor to governments and enterprises globally, Levin has testified before the U.S. Congress on blockchain-related matters and has played a pivotal role in the industry’s evolution.
In the statement, Levin expressed enthusiasm for his new role, emphasizing Chainalysis’ mission to foster trust and transparency in cryptocurrency markets. "Today, Chainalysis is at the forefront as cryptocurrency matures as an asset class and powers new payments and application ecosystems. As CEO, I look forward to continuing to deliver cutting-edge data and risk solutions while pursuing new market opportunities," he said.
Strategic Addition to the Board
Auvil’s appointment as an independent director adds significant expertise to the Chainalysis Board. With over 35 years of experience in finance and technology, including leadership roles at Proofpoint and VMware, Auvil is expected to provide valuable insights as Chainalysis navigates its next phase of growth. He currently serves on several boards, including Elastic and Cerebras, and brings deep financial acumen to the table.
The Board described Levin as a “visionary leader and innovator,” affirming their confidence in his ability to lead Chainalysis during a period of high growth. Regarding Auvil, they emphasized his experience in guiding innovative companies and his critical role in the company's governance.
Founded in 2014 by Gronager and Levin, Chainalysis is a blockchain analytics firm providing data, software, services, and research to government agencies, exchanges, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies in over 75 countries. Its customers include the United Nations, financial institutions like Barclays, and cryptocurrency businesses like Gemini and Bitpay.
Blockhead previously spoke to Levin on the sidelines of Singapore Fintech Festival in 2022, where he discussed experimentation, innovation, and growth in the industry.
