LONDON – Jay Graber is stepping down as chief executive officer of Bluesky, the social media platform positioned as an alternative to X (formerly Twitter), the company announced Monday. Graber, who has guided the platform’s development since its inception, will transition to the newly created role of chief innovation officer, focusing on the technological underpinnings of the network. Venture capitalist Toni Schneider, a former CEO of Automattic – the company behind WordPress.com – will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
The move signals a shift in focus for Bluesky as it matures beyond its initial phase of development and seeks to scale its operations. Graber, in a statement released via the company blog, explained that the company now requires a leader with a strong background in “scaling and execution,” allowing her to return to her core passion: building new technologies. This transition comes as Bluesky continues to navigate the complexities of building a decentralized social network and attracting a wider user base.
Bluesky, initially conceived as a research project within Twitter in 2019, spun out as an independent entity in 2021 with Graber at the helm. The platform’s growth has been particularly notable in the wake of changes at X following Elon Musk’s acquisition, attracting users seeking an alternative social media experience. As of March 9, 2026, Bluesky boasts over 40 million users, a significant increase from the 25 million reported in early 2025, according to the company’s annual Transparency Report. However, it still lags significantly behind competitors like Meta’s Threads, which currently has approximately 400 million users, as reported by TechCrunch in January 2026.
A Focus on Scaling and the AT Protocol
Schneider’s appointment is intended to address the challenges of scaling Bluesky’s infrastructure and expanding its reach. He brings a wealth of experience in this area, having previously served as CEO of Automattic from 2006 to 2014 and again in 2024 during a sabbatical taken by Matt Mullenweg. During his time at Automattic, Schneider oversaw the commercialization of WordPress’s open-source technology, a model that Bluesky’s board believes is relevant to its own ambitions. He too served as an advisor to Bluesky’s leadership prior to taking on the interim CEO role.
Central to Bluesky’s vision is the AT Protocol, a decentralized protocol designed to give users greater control over their data and social connections. This protocol allows for interoperability between different social media platforms, potentially fostering a more open and user-centric social web. Graber’s continued involvement as chief innovation officer will be crucial in furthering the development and refinement of the AT Protocol, ensuring that Bluesky remains at the forefront of decentralized social technology.
The Board’s Vision and Graber’s Future Role
The decision to appoint Schneider and restructure leadership was made by Bluesky’s board of directors, which includes Jeremie Miller, founder of the Jabber instant messaging protocol; Kinjal Shah, a venture capitalist focused on cryptocurrency; Mike Masnick, founder of TechDirt; and Graber herself. Notably, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey was previously a member of the board but resigned in 2024. The board will lead the search for a permanent CEO, with Graber expected to play a role in the selection process.
The creation of the chief innovation officer position specifically for Graber underscores the company’s commitment to her expertise in technology. According to reports, Graber is most passionate about the technical aspects of Bluesky, rather than its business operations. This new role will allow her to concentrate on the areas where she excels, driving innovation within the platform’s core technology stack. Schneider, in a blog post announcing his appointment, emphasized his focus on “scaling,” stating his job is “to help set up Bluesky’s next phase of growth.”
Navigating a Competitive Landscape and Ideological Debates
Bluesky’s emergence as a viable alternative to X has been fueled, in part, by dissatisfaction with the direction of the platform under Elon Musk. X’s shift towards a more conservative ideological stance prompted many users to seek alternative social networks, and Bluesky positioned itself as a progressive option. However, the platform has also faced scrutiny and debate regarding its content moderation policies. Some users have called for stricter moderation, while Bluesky has promoted the use of user-managed moderation tools, aiming to balance free speech with the need to address harmful content.
The platform’s commitment to open-source principles and user ownership has also drawn both praise and criticism. While proponents argue that this approach fosters innovation and empowers users, others question whether It’s a sustainable business model. Masnick, a member of the Bluesky board, believes Schneider’s experience at Automattic demonstrates the viability of building a successful business around open-source software. However, Bluesky remains a relatively niche offering, and faces the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining a large and diverse user base.
The Challenge of Growth and Maintaining Core Values
The transition in leadership comes at a pivotal moment for Bluesky. The platform has demonstrated its potential to attract users and foster a vibrant community, but it must now navigate the challenges of scaling its operations while staying true to its core values of decentralization, user ownership, and open-source principles. Schneider’s experience in scaling Automattic will be invaluable but the company will also need to address ongoing concerns about content moderation, platform stability, and the need to attract a broader audience.
The debate surrounding Bluesky’s ideological positioning also continues. The platform has been described as “woke” by some critics, while others argue that it is simply committed to fostering a more inclusive and respectful online environment. Even Elon Musk himself expressed dissatisfaction with the platform, citing “ideology” as a concern in a recent conversation with WIRED. These debates highlight the challenges of building a social network that appeals to a diverse range of users while remaining true to its founding principles.
Bluesky’s success will depend on its ability to strike a balance between these competing forces. It must continue to innovate and improve its technology, while also addressing the practical challenges of scaling its operations and attracting a wider audience. The appointment of Toni Schneider as interim CEO represents a significant step in this direction, but the company’s long-term future remains uncertain.
The board’s search for a permanent CEO is still in its early stages, and the timeline for a final decision remains unclear. In the meantime, Schneider will focus on laying the groundwork for Bluesky’s next phase of growth, working closely with Graber and the rest of the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. The company’s commitment to transparency and user engagement will be crucial in navigating these challenges and building a sustainable future for the platform.
Key Takeaways:
- Jay Graber has stepped down as CEO of Bluesky, transitioning to the role of chief innovation officer.
- Toni Schneider, former CEO of Automattic, will serve as interim CEO.
- The leadership change reflects a shift in focus towards scaling Bluesky’s operations and expanding its user base.
- Bluesky remains committed to its core values of decentralization, user ownership, and open-source principles.
- The platform faces ongoing challenges related to content moderation, ideological debates, and competition from larger social networks.
The next major update from Bluesky is expected to be the release of its Q1 2026 Transparency Report, providing further insights into the platform’s growth and development. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they develop into available. Share your thoughts on Bluesky’s future in the comments below.
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