Ripple's technology organization undergoes strategic leadership transition as Dennis Jarosch assumes engineering command while David Schwartz shifts to emeritus role following 13-year tenure driving XRPL development and cross-border payment innovation.
Ripple transitions into a new technological chapter with Dennis Jarosch now leading engineering operations as longtime CTO David Schwartz shifts to an emeritus role following a 13-year tenure.
The leadership change, effective January 2026, represents a calculated succession strategy designed to maintain operational continuity while advancing XRP Ledger development and Ripple's stablecoin ambitions. Jarosch assumes responsibility for driving technical initiatives as the company targets expanded use cases beyond traditional payments.
As David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz stated on X, "The time has come for me to step back from my day-to-day duties as Ripple CTO at the end of this year. I'm really looking forward to spending more time with the kids and grandkids and going back to the hobbies I set aside."
Schwartz's departure from executive operations closes a defining period in Ripple's technical evolution. The XRP Ledger co-architect spent over 40 years in cryptography and distributed systems, transitioning from NSA consulting to Bitcoin's emergence before coding the XRPL with Arthur Britto, Jed McCaleb, and Chris Larsen.
Jarosch Inherits Expanded Technical Mandate
The new technology chief faces immediate priorities centered on XRPL protocol enhancements and RL USD stablecoin integration across tokenized financial markets. According to Skipper_XRP on X, Ripple President Monica Long emphasized the transition ensures operational continuity while building on Schwartz's technical foundation.
Jarosch brings substantial engineering leadership experience as Senior Vice President, positioning him to execute Ripple's roadmap for programmability features, lending protocols, and privacy enhancements scheduled throughout 2026.
Schwartz reflected on X: "I can't begin to explain the depth of my gratitude to this company, the people who work here, and the community that surrounds XRPL. It's been one of the greatest honors and experiences of my life, second only to my amazing family."
The departing CTO maintains involvement through his new board position and CTO Emeritus designation, ensuring strategic continuity during the transition. Schwartz indicated plans to operate an independent XRPL node, publish technical data, and research alternative XRP applications outside Ripple's core business focus.
His pivot toward hands-on development work signals continued community engagement despite reduced operational responsibilities. The technology veteran expressed enthusiasm for returning to fundamental coding activities and direct builder collaboration.
As Schwartz noted on X, "But be warned, I'm not going away from the XRP community. You haven't seen the last of me (now, or ever)."
The leadership transition unfolds as Ripple navigates post-litigation expansion, scaling cross-border payment corridors, and advancing stablecoin infrastructure. Jarosch inherits technical teams responsible for maintaining XRPL security while implementing features that broaden ecosystem utility beyond payment settlement.
Schwartz's board appointment preserves institutional knowledge while enabling strategic input on long-term vision and mission alignment. The arrangement reflects Ripple's maturation as it balances continuity with fresh technical leadership.
Key Takeaways:
- Dennis Jarosch takes over Ripple's technology division as David Schwartz transitions to CTO Emeritus role effective January 2026
- Schwartz joins Ripple's board of directors after 13 years leading engineering teams and co-architecting the XRP Ledger
- Leadership change positions Ripple to advance XRPL protocol development and RL USD stablecoin integration strategies
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Dennis Jarosch Leads Ripple Tech as Schwartz Steps Down
Ripple appoints Dennis Jarosch as technology chief as David Schwartz transitions to CTO Emeritus and board director after 13 years leading engineering operatio