Polygon, one of Ethereum’s leading layer-2 scaling solutions, is embarking on a bold new chapter under the leadership of co-founder Sandeep Nailwal. He has assumed the role of CEO at the foundation overseeing its ecosystem. This marks a significant departure as Polygon embraces centralized leadership, moving from its previous decentralized governance model. The project prioritizes streamlined decision-making to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving Ethereum layer-2 landscape.
A New Era of Centralized Leadership
Nailwal’s appointment signals a return to fast-paced execution after years focused on research and institutional structuring. In a recent statement, he emphasized how Polygon embraces centralized leadership to act boldly once again:
“After several years of laying the groundwork through research and institutional development, it’s time for Polygon to move swiftly and decisively.”
His first priority? Overhauling the foundation’s focus and accelerating the rollout of critical infrastructure upgrades. Among the most notable changes is a renewed emphasis on AggLayer, an interoperability solution designed to connect fragmented blockchain networks. A major upgrade, AggLayer v0.3, is expected by the end of 2024. This positions Polygon as a key player in cross-chain innovation.
Strategic Shifts in Polygon’s Tech Stack

Polygon is also making strategic shifts in its technical roadmap. The project plans to retire its zkEVM chain by 2026. They cite scaling challenges that have limited its effectiveness. Instead, resources are being redirected to the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) chain. This chain is being transformed into a “GigaGAS ” network capable of processing over 100,000 transactions per second.
This upgrade aims to unlock real-time payment capabilities and support trillions in tokenized assets. It aligns Polygon with the growing demand for scalable, enterprise-grade blockchain solutions. Notably, companies like JPMorgan and Stripe are already leveraging Polygon’s infrastructure, underscoring its potential in the corporate sector. With Polygon embracing centralized leadership, the project is likely to keep pace with enterprise needs.
Another major milestone on the horizon is the Bhilai upgrade, set to launch in July. This protocol enhancement promises faster settlement times and lower gas fees. It also promises seamless integration with AggLayer, further solidifying Polygon’s appeal to enterprises and developers alike.
Leadership Changes and a More Agile Future
Nailwal’s leadership comes amid a wave of high-profile departures from Polygon’s founding team. Fellow co-founder Mihailo Bjelic recently stepped away from day-to-day operations. Early contributors Jaynti Kanani and Anurag Arjun exited over the past two years. These transitions reflect the challenges of maintaining decentralized governance in a highly competitive space.
By consolidating leadership under Nailwal, Polygon embraces centralized leadership, aiming to become more agile and responsive to market demands. While this shift may raise concerns about decentralization, Nailwal argues that centralized control—at least temporarily—will enable Polygon to execute its vision more effectively.
Why This Matters for Polygon’s Future

The decision to pivot toward a more centralized model underscores Polygon’s determination to stay ahead in the Ethereum layer-2 race. Competitors like Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync are rapidly innovating, leaving little room for complacency. By streamlining leadership and focusing on key upgrades, Polygon hopes to maintain its position as one of Ethereum’s most prominent scaling solutions.
The upcoming AggLayer v0.3 and Bhilai upgrade are particularly crucial. They address two of the biggest pain points for developers and enterprises: interoperability and scalability. If successful, these initiatives could attract even more institutional players to Polygon’s ecosystem, driving adoption and utility.
Final Thoughts
Polygon’s transition to centralized leadership under Sandeep Nailwal represents a calculated risk in an increasingly competitive blockchain landscape. While the move may spark debates about decentralization, Polygon embraces centralized leadership to position itself to execute its ambitious roadmap with greater speed and precision.
As the project prepares for major upgrades like AggLayer v0.3, the Bhilai upgrade, and the transformation of its PoS chain into a “GigaGAS ” network, all eyes will be on whether these changes can propel Polygon to new heights. For now, Nailwal’s leadership may usher in a more centralized—but potentially more impactful—era for one of Ethereum’s most vital scaling solutions.