In a significant development for the popular messaging platform, Discord, its co-founder Jason Citron has announced that he will step down as CEO. This news was shared during an interview with VentureBeat on Wednesday, where Citron, 40, expressed his sentiments about the transition.

Citron took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal his future plans, stating, "I'll be transitioning to a new role as board member and advisor, and continuing to support Discord through this next chapter." In his post, he reflected on his pride in what the company has accomplished thus far, while also expressing excitement for the future of Discord.

When asked about his plans following his departure from the CEO position, Citron admitted he does not have any specific projects lined up. Instead, he intends to focus on spending quality time with his family and indulging in his passion for gaming. Citron humorously mentioned his gaming backlog, saying, "I need to finish Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. I have a backlog. I want to play Blue Prince. I haven't even played Baldur's Gate III, believe it or not." These titles are highly anticipated in the gaming community, with "Rebirth" set to release in 2024 as a sequel to the acclaimed remake of the classic game, and "Baldur's Gate III," which launched in August 2023, receiving rave reviews.

In a formal announcement on the same day, Discord confirmed that Humam Sakhnini, the former vice chairman of Activision Blizzard, will assume the role of CEO starting April 28. Citron, who co-founded Discord in 2015 alongside Stanislav Vishnevskiy, emphasized the evolving nature of the CEO role. In a heartfelt blog post to Discord employees, he stated, "The job of a CEO is constantly evolving, and over the years I have continuously 'hired myself out of a job.' Usually, that means delegating work and then taking on different leadership challenges." He further noted, "However, as I look at what is needed of Discord's CEO over the next few years, I realize that it's time for me to literally 'hire myself out of a job.'" This statement highlights a strategic approach to leadership, recognizing the need for new energy and ideas to propel the company forward.

Citron's decision to step back is notable, especially in an age where many young tech founders remain at the helm of their companies for extended periods. For instance, Mark Zuckerberg, also 40, continues to lead Meta, the social media giant he established in 2004. Similarly, Evan Spiegel, 34, remains the CEO of Snapchat, which he co-founded in 2011. This decision by Citron not only marks a personal milestone but also signifies a shift in leadership dynamics within the tech industry.

When approached for further comment, a representative from Discord directed Business Insider to Citron's blog and posts on X, underscoring the importance of these channels for communication with stakeholders.