Grayscale Investments, the largest crypto asset manager globally, has announced the appointment of Peter Mintzberg as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 15, 2024. Mintzberg will also join Grayscale’s Board of Directors upon assuming his new role. He succeeds Michael Sonnenshein, who has decided to step down to explore other opportunities. Until Mintzberg takes the helm, Chief Financial Officer Edward McGee will serve as the interim principal executive officer, overseeing the firm’s operations.
With over two decades of experience in top-tier asset management firms, Mintzberg brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in strategic leadership and growth. Barry Silbert, Founder and CEO of Digital Currency Group (DCG), expressed his enthusiasm for Mintzberg’s appointment, stating, “Peter’s strategic acumen and global expertise are invaluable as we steer Grayscale into its next growth phase. I am eager to see his impact as he leads the expansion of our innovative investment products.”
Mintzberg expressed his excitement about joining Grayscale, saying, “I have long admired Grayscale’s leadership in crypto asset management and am honored to join such a pioneering team. This is a pivotal moment for Grayscale, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success and momentum in the crypto asset space.”
Silbert also acknowledged Sonnenshein’s significant contributions to Grayscale, noting his role in growing the firm from $60 million to approximately $30 billion in assets under management. Sonnenshein’s leadership was instrumental during a landmark legal victory against the Securities and Exchange Commission, allowing Grayscale to list the first spot Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca. “Michael has been a remarkable leader, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Silbert.
Reflecting on his tenure, Sonnenshein stated, “Leading Grayscale has been a privilege. I am grateful to Barry Silbert for his visionary leadership and partnership. The crypto asset class is at a critical juncture, and I believe now is the perfect time for a smooth leadership transition. I wish Grayscale continued success in its next chapter.”
Mintzberg joins Grayscale from Goldman Sachs, where he currently serves as Global Head of Strategy for Asset and Wealth Management. His career spans various senior roles in strategy, M&A, and investor relations at BlackRock, OppenheimerFunds, and Invesco. He began his career at McKinsey & Co., focusing on financial services and technology sectors in New York, San Francisco, and São Paulo.
Recognized as a Latino leader in Finance by The Alumni Society in 2018, Mintzberg was also a David Rockefeller Fellow with the Partnership for New York City. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Universidade Federal Rio de Janeiro and an MBA from Harvard University.
Over the past decade, Grayscale has introduced nineteen crypto investment products, providing transparent access to the crypto asset class and serving as an educational resource. The firm has worked with policymakers and regulators to integrate crypto assets into the regulatory framework, continuously enhancing its business capabilities and team.
