Longtime Ripple Technology Leader Steps Back
David Schwartz, the chief technology officer who helped build Ripple’s technical foundation, has officially moved into an emeritus role. He updated his social media profiles this week to reflect the change, marking the end of his daily executive responsibilities.
Schwartz had been with Ripple for over a decade, directing the technical evolution of their cross-border payment systems. He also managed the global engineering organization and co-architected the XRP Ledger itself. It’s a significant shift for someone who’s been so central to the company’s technical direction.
The Transition Was Announced Months Ago
Back in October 2025, Schwartz revealed his plans to step back. “The time has come for me to step back from my day-to-day duties as Ripple CTO at the end of this year,” he said at the time. He mentioned wanting to spend more time with family and return to hobbies he’d set aside.
His gratitude toward Ripple leadership was clear in that announcement. He specifically thanked CEO Brad Garlinghouse and President Monica Long, calling them “the very soul of Ripple itself.” That kind of language suggests a deep connection, not just a professional relationship.
New Role on the Board
Schwartz isn’t leaving Ripple entirely. He’s joining the company’s board of directors, which means he’ll still have influence over strategic direction. “Chris asked me to join Ripple’s Board of Directors to continue supporting the company’s mission and long-term vision…and I accept!” he stated.
This move from operational leadership to board oversight is fairly common in tech companies. It allows experienced leaders to provide guidance without being bogged down in daily management. For Schwartz, it probably feels like a natural progression after so many years in the trenches.
Engineering Leadership Changes Hands
With Schwartz stepping back from daily operations, Dennis Jarosch will take over leading the technology organization. Jarosch currently serves as Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Engineering. The transition appears planned and orderly, which is reassuring for anyone concerned about continuity.
These leadership changes can be tricky, especially in technology companies where technical vision matters so much. But having a clear succession plan suggests Ripple was prepared for this transition.
Continued Involvement with XRP Community
Perhaps most importantly for the XRP community, Schwartz made it clear he’s not disappearing. “Be warned, I’m not going away from the XRP community. You haven’t seen the last of me,” he said.
That commitment matters because Schwartz isn’t just a corporate executive—he’s deeply connected to the XRP ecosystem. His continued involvement, even in a different capacity, provides some stability during this transition period.
I think transitions like this are inevitable in growing companies. The founders and early leaders eventually step back, making room for new leadership while maintaining advisory roles. It’s a sign of maturity, really. Ripple has been around long enough now that these generational shifts are starting to happen.
The interesting part will be watching how the technical direction evolves under new leadership while Schwartz provides guidance from the board level. It could bring fresh perspectives while maintaining continuity with the original vision.
