NEAR Foundation appoints CEO for blockchain expansion

The Switzerland-based not-for-profit foundation oversees and nurtures the expansion of the NEAR blockchain

Blockchain organisation the NEAR Foundation has appointed Marieke Flament, a former Circle and Mettle by NatWest executive, as its new chief executive officer.

Flament is tasked with leading the Switzerland-based not-for-profit foundation as it oversees and nurtures the expansion of the NEAR blockchain, which has processed more than 50 million transactions across 1.7 million+ accounts since launch in 2020.

The foundation also contracts protocol maintainers and funds ecosystem development. It announced $800 million of funding initiatives in October 2021 targeted at accelerating growth in a blockchain that the foundation claims rivals Ethereum for transaction speed and cost.

The new NEAR Foundation chief executive officer boasts significant expertise and experience gained from roles at companies such as Boston Consulting Group and Hotels.com, as well as crypto company Circle and banking app provider Mettle by NatWest.

During her time at Circle, Flament was managing director of European operations and then global chief marketing officer. She then became chief executive officer of Mettle by NatWest.

Commenting on her appointment, Flament says: “NEAR has the capability to help us unlock many of the long-promised uses of the technology and to create products and services that promote greater inclusivity and reflect the needs of the people they’re designed to serve.”

“As the CEO, I am excited to play a role in achieving the foundation’s aim and to ensure that through collaboration and openness, the blockchain can be used as a true force for good.”

Image: NEAR Foundation

Mark Dugdale