Coinbase's Global Marketing Head Latest to Join Mass Exit

Global Marketing Head John Russ is the latest in a string of departures from the crypto exchange over recent weeks.

AccessTimeIconOct 16, 2020 at 8:29 a.m. UTC
Updated May 9, 2023 at 3:12 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Coinbase Global Marketing Head John Russ is leaving the U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, the latest in a host of departures over recent weeks.

  • Russ said in a tweet Wednesday the decision came in response to Coinbase employees being asked to choose between accepting CEO Brian Armstrong's recently announced "apolitical" policy and leaving the firm.
  • In the summer, some Coinbase employees had protested internally, seeking a more public position on issues such as Black Lives Matter.
  • Armstrong pushed back, saying the firm would focus solely on its financial mission. If offered a severance package for employees unhappy with the position.
  • The former global marketing head joins at least 60 other employees in their departure from the exchange representing roughly 5% of the company's headcount.
  • On Wednesday, Coinbase Chief Compliance Officer Jeff Horowitz also announced he would be leaving the company although it is not clear if that was because of Armstrong's missive.
  • Russ did not immediately return CoinDesk's request for comment.
  • How NEAR Enables Multichain Access From One Account
    00:56
    How NEAR Enables Multichain Access From One Account
  • Why the NEAR foundation Chose Eigenlayer as a Security Partner
    00:54
    Why the NEAR foundation Chose Eigenlayer as a Security Partner
  • Judge Kaplan Had 'No Love' for Sam Bankman-Fried, Legal Expert Says
    07:08
    Judge Kaplan Had 'No Love' for Sam Bankman-Fried, Legal Expert Says
  • How Bitcoin and Ether's Options Contracts Combined Expiry Could Spike Volatility
    01:11
    How Bitcoin and Ether's Options Contracts Combined Expiry Could Spike Volatility
  • Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.