The Crypto Council for Innovation today announced that after three years of distinguished service, Sheila Warren will be stepping down as the inaugural CEO of CCI, effective January 6, 2025. She will continue to contribute to CCI’s mission as Senior Global Policy Advisor. CCI’s Board of Directors has appointed Ji Hun Kim, Chief Legal & Policy Officer as President and Acting CEO.
Ji brings nearly 20 years of legal and policy expertise in the tech and financial services sector and has been instrumental in leading CCI’s policy initiatives. He has been responsible for navigating complex global regulatory landscapes, building consensus on key issues, and aligning organizational strategies with policy objectives.
Ji has spearheaded recent legislative and regulatory initiatives focused on market oversight, market structure, tax, countering illicit finance, and stablecoin issuance at the U.S. state and federal levels and across global jurisdictions, and will continue to execute CCI’s strategy in informing policy across these areas.
Ji formerly served in senior roles at two global digital asset exchanges, practiced law at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, and served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Robert D. Drain of the Southern District of New York (U.S. Bankruptcy).
The CCI leadership team will continue to execute the organization’s strategic plan for a crucial year ahead in crypto policy.
As Sheila prepares for her transition in January, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for her exceptional leadership and vision as CCI’s inaugural CEO. Sheila has been an unwavering advocate for the industry and for CCI’s vision for the future of finance. She has built a world class team that serves as go-to resources for policymakers worldwide, transforming the organization into the premier voice of the global digital asset ecosystem. Her achievements include establishing a strong presence at both the federal and state levels in the United States, driving international expansion to the UK, Europe, Africa, and Asia, forging new partnerships to advance global standards, integrating the Proof of Stake Alliance, and launching The Center for a Digital Future.
“Sheila has been a trailblazer, building CCI from scratch and positioning CCI as a trusted partner to policymakers and regulators across the world,” said Avichal Garg, Chairman of the CCI Board and Managing Partner of Electric Capital. “Her ability to combine strategic foresight with pragmatic execution has been a cornerstone of CCI’s success. We are grateful for her exceptional contributions, excited that she will remain engaged, and wish her success as she transitions into her next chapter. As we move forward, we are delighted to work with Ji Kim. Ji’s proven track record in navigating global regulatory challenges and crafting substantive policy solutions will ensure that CCI remains at the forefront of shaping the future of digital assets. The Board is excited to continue to partner closely with Ji and the rest of the CCI team.”
“We are immensely grateful to Sheila for her groundbreaking leadership, which has firmly established CCI as a global advocate for the digital asset ecosystem,” said Ji Kim, incoming President and Acting CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation. “CCI will continue to execute our strong strategic plan with our exceptional team laser-focused on driving our mission forward. I am honored to step into this role and look forward to partnering closely with CCI colleagues and members as well as with policymakers around the world to help shape thoughtful digital assets policy and foster innovation during this pivotal and promising time for the industry.”
