That’s the feeling that’s been going around for the past few months among major corporations, especially American ones. The pressure is building internally as cryptos and blockchain become more professional at a rapid pace. By 2021, we had already seen several executive departures, ready to jump in. Today, it’s the head of Walmart who is taking on new roles. If crypto is a bubble, watch out for the steam!
Walmart loses a big tech profile
Bring water to a boil. Cover the pan. Let the steam do its work. That’s surely how one could sum up the recent news in the crypto job market. After a decade of existence, the blockchain ecosystem has radically evolved. Like an infant belching its first syllables or taking its first steps. After its first bike rides (without the little wheels) and its first scratches on its knees, the age of reason has arrived. The age when you start to assert your personality.
The first crypto decade was the one of all dangers, survival first. The next one will most probably be the one of ambitions. Ambitions that are now clearly displayed by many tech “pundits”, from New York to Singapore (and especially through Silicon Valley). The latest notable departure is that of Tom Horton, former senior director of Walmart. He was previously president and CEO of American Airlines. “A golden bridge” to crypto?
Hello crypto! Ciao Walmart!
By joining Blockchain.com, Tom Horton plans to enter and build this space. With his expertise in large international groups, it is a profile of size that enters the block. With well identified opportunities…
“There is a gigantic change underway in financial services and currencies, and being part of it is very exciting. What’s happening here is relevant to things I’m involved in elsewhere – other boards, other businesses.”
Statement from Tom Horton
Although he has left Walmart, Horton still serves on the board of General Electric. It’s hard to imagine that his new experience won’t feed into the American giant’s next board meetings, or even more concrete projects. Horton himself confides that this new experience will be beneficial in this sense. This departure echoes those of Jack Dorsey of Twitter or the former CEO of Google to come and build this space in which everything remains to be done.
Blockchain.com has struck a blow and continues to strengthen its Board of Directors. Indeed, Marcie Vu (Morgan Stanley) had already joined it, in addition to major financial backers, such as Google Ventures, Sir Richard Branson and Lightspeed Venture Partners.