Celebrated cryptographer Moxie Marlinspike is stepping down as chief executive at Signal, temporarily turning the reins of the popular encrypted messaging platform to WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton.
Marlinspike, who created Signal and led its growth into becoming a must-use encrypted messaging app, said Signal would begin the search for a new chief executive immediately.
He said Acton, the WhatsApp co-founder who helped to bankroll Marlinspike’s Signal Foundation and sits on the non-profit board, has volunteered to serve as interim CEO during the search period.
[ READ: Is the ‘Great Resignation’ Impacting Cybersecurity? ]
Marlinspike, who spent a decade working on the secure app, said he is “very comfortable replacing myself as CEO” because of the management team in place and the opportunity to expand the company’s success.
“I’ve been talking with candidates over the last few months, but want to open up the search with this announcement in order to help find the best person for the next decade of Signal,” Marlinspike added.
Back in 2018, Marlinspike and Acton teamed up to launch the Signal Technology Foundation, with Acton investing $50 million in the non-profit.
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