Cronos (CRO) Labs Welcomes New Leadership: Mirko Zhao Takes the Helm
By: Alvin Lang
Published on: March 24, 2025
In a pivotal move for the blockchain community, Cronos (CRO) Labs has appointed Mirko Zhao as its new leader, succeeding Ken Timsit. This transition marks not just a change in leadership but a fresh opportunity for innovation, community engagement, and growth within this renowned blockchain ecosystem.
Why Mirko Zhao?
Zhao’s promotion comes after a three-year tenure at Cronos Labs, where he played a pivotal role spearheading product and incubation initiatives that significantly advanced decentralized finance (DeFi). His extensive background in blockchain and product leadership, particularly after joining Cronos Labs as a product lead in June 2022, positions him as a capable steward for the future of the organization.
Under Zhao’s stewardship, Cronos is set to build upon the groundwork laid by Timsit. His confidence in the resilience of the blockchain and the commitment of the CRO community reflects a strategic mindset geared toward not only maintaining but amplifying Cronos’ influence in the cryptocurrency landscape.
A Vision for Transformation
Zhao envisions an ambitious roadmap for Cronos, emphasizing a bold strategy that prioritizes community communication and engagement. His ambition is clear: to elevate the Cronos blockchain as a leader in innovation within the industry.
"In today’s rapidly evolving blockchain space, the ability to adapt and engage with our community is crucial. We are at the forefront of revolutionizing the way users interact with decentralized finance and gaming," Zhao stated during his appointment.
Zhao’s Impressive Background
Before stepping into his new role, Zhao co-founded Orin, a startup focused on digitizing supply chain data, which successfully attracted backing from esteemed organizations such as Y Combinator and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park. He has also made his mark with Flexport as the first product manager covering the APAC region, where he drove global trade optimization initiatives.
Moreover, his experience as an agile project manager at PayPal, where he collaborated closely with tech teams on merchant and data science projects, has equipped him with the insight needed to navigate the multifaceted challenges facing the blockchain space today.
Discovering the Cronos Ecosystem
At its core, Cronos is more than just a blockchain; it is a thriving ecosystem aimed at democratizing access to decentralized finance and gaming. With over 80 million users and a collaborative network of more than 500 application developers and partners, Cronos is designed to provide secure self-custody solutions for over a billion Web3 users.
The ecosystem boasts three proprietary chains:
- Cronos (EVM) – An Ethereum-compatible blockchain based on the Cosmos SDK.
- Cronos POS – Designed for payment solutions and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
- Cronos zkEVM – A high-performance Layer 2 network that enhances scalability for decentralized applications.
Since its inception in 2021, Cronos has successfully secured over $6 billion in user assets and processed more than 100 million transactions, establishing itself as one of the top 15 blockchain ecosystems globally. Additionally, the $100 million Cronos Labs startup accelerator is dedicated to stoking innovation within this vibrant community.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Cronos
As Mirko Zhao steps into his new role at Cronos (CRO) Labs, the future looks promising for this dynamic blockchain ecosystem. His unique blend of experience, coupled with an actionable vision for growth, positions Cronos to not only meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving landscape but also set new benchmarks in the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Stay tuned to the Extreme Investor Network for the latest updates on Cronos and other groundbreaking developments in the world of crypto. Our commitment to delivering exclusive insights makes us your go-to source in the crypto space.