8-K: Grayscale Ethereum Staking ETF Names New CFOs
Executive Appointment
Grayscale Ethereum Staking ETF announces interim Co-Chief Financial Officers and a new Principal Financial and Accounting Officer.
Summary
- Grayscale Investments Sponsors, LLC, the sponsor of the Grayscale Ethereum Staking ETF, has appointed Kathryn Masci and Daniel Plourde as interim Co-Chief Financial Officers, effective July 2, 2026.
- Kathryn Masci has also been appointed as a member of the Board of Managers and will serve as the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer for the ETF.
- These appointments follow the departure of Edward McGee, the former Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, and Board of Managers member, who is stepping down for personal reasons.
- McGee's departure is amicable and he is thanked for his 7 years of service.
- Masci has been with Grayscale since May 2020, most recently as Senior Vice President, Finance, and has a background in financial reporting and accounting policy from previous roles at Garrison Capital Inc. and Pzena Investment Management, Inc., as well as experience at Ernst & Young LLP.
- Plourde has been Senior Vice President, Finance, since January 2026, joined Grayscale in September 2022, and has served as Assistant Treasurer of the Grayscale Funds Trust since 2025.
- Plourde brings over 20 years of financial services experience, including senior roles in treasury, fund administration, and financial planning, with prior experience at Gabelli Asset Management and State Street Global Advisors.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral filing, primarily focused on executive appointments rather than financial performance or strategic shifts. The amicable departure of the previous CFO and the appointment of experienced internal candidates mitigate potential negative sentiment.
Positives
- Smooth transition of financial leadership with experienced internal candidates.
- Kathryn Masci's appointment as Principal Financial and Accounting Officer ensures continuity in financial oversight.
- Edward McGee's departure is stated to be amicable and for personal reasons, with gratitude expressed for his service.
- Both new appointees, Masci and Plourde, have significant experience within Grayscale and the broader financial services industry.
Negatives
- The departure of a key executive (CFO, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) can introduce a period of adjustment.
- The interim nature of the Co-CFO appointments suggests a potential for further changes or a search for a permanent replacement.
Risks
- Potential for disruption during the transition period for financial operations.
- The interim status of the Co-CFOs may create uncertainty regarding long-term financial leadership.
- Any unforeseen issues arising from the departure of the previous CFO, despite stated amicable reasons.
Future Outlook
No specific forward-looking statements or guidance were provided in this filing regarding financial performance or strategic initiatives. The focus is on executive appointments.
Management Comments
- Grayscale thanks Edward McGee for his 7 years of service.
- Edward McGee is stepping down for personal reasons and not due to any disagreement with the Company or any matter relating to Grayscale's operations, policies or practices.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that executive transitions, particularly in financial roles, are common in the ETF and asset management industry. The appointment of experienced internal candidates like Masci and Plourde suggests a focus on maintaining operational stability during leadership changes.
Management Changes
| Role | Previous Person | New Person | Effective Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Co-Chief Financial Officer (Interim) | Edward McGee | Kathryn Masci | July 2, 2026 | Departure of Edward McGee |
| Co-Chief Financial Officer (Interim) | Edward McGee | Daniel Plourde | July 2, 2026 | Departure of Edward McGee |
| Principal Financial and Accounting Officer | Edward McGee | Kathryn Masci | July 2, 2026 | Departure of Edward McGee |
| Member of the Board of Managers | Edward McGee | Kathryn Masci | July 2, 2026 | Departure of Edward McGee |
| Chief Financial Officer | Edward McGee | N/A (Interim Co-CFOS appointed) | July 2, 2026 | Personal reasons |
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: Potential for short-term uncertainty regarding financial leadership, but mitigated by experienced internal appointments.
- Employees: Transition in financial leadership may require adaptation to new reporting structures or processes.
- Creditors/Suppliers: No immediate impact indicated, as the filing focuses on executive changes rather than financial distress.
Next Steps
- The newly appointed interim Co-Chief Financial Officers will assume their responsibilities.
- Kathryn Masci will also take on the role of Principal Financial and Accounting Officer.
- The company may continue to search for permanent CFO appointments.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| July 2, 2014 | Start date of Kathryn Masci's employment at Ernst & Young LLP. |
| October 2016 | Start date of Kathryn Masci's employment at Pzena Investment Management, Inc. |
| July 2019 | Start date of Kathryn Masci's employment at Garrison Capital Inc. |
| May 2020 | Start date of Kathryn Masci's employment at Grayscale. |
| September 2022 | Start date of Daniel Plourde's employment at Grayscale. |
| January 2026 | Kathryn Masci appointed Senior Vice President, Finance. |
| January 2026 | Daniel Plourde appointed Senior Vice President, Finance. |
| July 2, 2026 | Effective date for the appointment of Kathryn Masci and Daniel Plourde as interim Co-Chief Financial Officers, and Kathryn Masci as Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Board of Managers member. Effective date for Edward McGee's stepping down. |
Keywords
Grayscale Ethereum Staking ETF, ETF, Ethereum, Staking, CFO, Finance, SEC Filing, 8-K
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