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 that 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 and offering 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's Chief Compliance Officer Jeff Horowitz also announced he would be stepping away from the company although it is not clear if he left over Armstrong's missive.
- Russ did not immediately return CoinDesk's request for comment.
See also: Coinbase Senior Software Engineer Left This Week, Unclear if Departure Linked to New Policy
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