Ji Hun Kim, formerly a senior executive at cryptocurrency exchanges Kraken and Gemini, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI). The leading digital asset trade group announced Kim's appointment on July 24, 2025, following his role as the organization's chief legal and policy officer.
Kim expressed his honor and gratitude for the board's decision, stating that this is a pivotal moment of evolution for the crypto industry requiring serious and informed engagement. He looks forward to building an institution that bridges technology and public policy, grounded in facts, trust, and respect worldwide.
Prior to joining CCI, Kim held legal roles at Kraken, Gemini, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, and the Southern District of New York. His experience navigating complex regulatory landscapes in the U.S. at the federal and state levels, as well as in the UK, EU, and Asia, positions him well to lead CCI's next phase of growth. According to Avichal Garg, chair of CCI's board of directors, Kim has led with credibility and clarity, supporting major legislative efforts in Congress, engaging international regulators, and serving as a trusted resource for CCI members across jurisdictions.
The appointment of Kim follows Sheila Warren's resignation as CEO in December 2024. Warren continues to serve the crypto organization as a senior policy advisor while also taking on the role of chief strategy and operations officer of Project Liberty and chief executive officer of the Project Liberty Institute. Kim had been serving as acting CEO since Warren's departure.