Messari Appoints New CEO Diran Li Amid Fresh Layoffs and AI Strategy Pivot

Turner Steps Down, Li Takes the Helm

Crypto analytics firm Messari has undergone a leadership transition: Eric Turner has stepped down as CEO, handing the role to Diran Li. Alongside the executive change, the company carried out another round of layoffs, though the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed.

Turner announced the move on March 16, 2026, via his X account:

"Today, I stepped down as CEO of Messari and handed the reins to Diran. This wasn't an easy decision, but it's the right one for the company's next phase, and he has my full support. It's also a difficult day for the team as we say goodbye to many people who helped build Messari." — Eric Turner (@eric_turner), original post

Turner had been serving as interim CEO since July 2024, following the departure of Messari founder Ryan Selkis.

Why This Matters

Messari is one of the most prominent analytics platforms in crypto, and its strategic overhaul signals the growing convergence of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. The shift from a traditional research model to an AI-first approach could reshape how institutional investors access and consume on-chain data.

The move also underscores broader workforce restructuring across the crypto industry, where companies continue to reallocate resources toward AI capabilities even as market conditions evolve.

AI-First Strategy Drives the Restructuring

Diran Li, who spent seven years as Messari's Chief Technology Officer, confirmed his appointment and provided context for the staffing changes:

"Today I'm stepping into the CEO role at Messari. After conversations with Eric and the board, we agreed this is the right step for the company's next chapter. This transition also includes a difficult decision: we've parted ways with many teammates who helped build Messari into…" — Diran Li (@diran_li), original post

According to Li, the workforce reductions stem from a fundamental strategic realignment. Messari plans to refocus on AI-driven research and products aimed at institutional clients. The company did not disclose the specific number of positions eliminated.

AI Integration Has Been Building for Years

Messari's push into artificial intelligence started back in 2024. Most recently, on March 13, 2026, Li announced the integration of the x402 protocol — a solution that enables developers and autonomous AI agents to directly purchase on-chain data and pay for it through crypto wallets.

The latest layoffs are not unprecedented for the firm. In January 2025, Messari cut approximately 15% of its workforce. A similar round of reductions took place in February 2023.

Part of a Broader Industry Trend

Messari's pivot aligns with a movement already embraced by other major players. Core Scientific, Cipher Mining, MARA Holdings, and Hut 8 have all begun developing initiatives at the intersection of blockchain and AI.

Layoffs continue to be a recurring theme across the crypto sector. In January 2026, Mantra project CEO John Patrick Mullin announced a restructuring involving an unspecified number of job cuts. OP Labs also recently reduced its team by 20%.

The central challenge for Messari now lies in Li's ability to execute the AI-first vision with a leaner team while navigating intense competition in the rapidly growing blockchain-AI space.