Jason Citron Steps Down as CEO of Discord

After nearly a decade at the helm of one of the internet’s most beloved communication platforms, Jason Citron, co-founder and CEO of Discord, has announced his decision to step down. This marks a significant transition for the company, which has evolved from a niche gaming chat app into a cultural phenomenon with over 200 million monthly active users.

Starting April 28th, leadership will officially shift to Humam Sakhnini, a seasoned executive known for his tenure at Activision Blizzard and King. While Citron is stepping away from day-to-day operations, he will remain on Discord’s board and serve as an advisor, ensuring that the company’s original vision and community-first ethos remain intact.

The Legacy of Jason Citron

Citron’s journey with Discord began in 2015, when he and co-founder Stanislav Vishnevskiy sought to create a better way for gamers to communicate online. What started as a simple fix for unreliable voice chat quickly grew into something much bigger—a digital home for communities, creators, and businesses alike.

Under Citron’s leadership, Discord expanded beyond gaming, becoming a hub for study groups, fan clubs, developers, artists, and even political activists. The company’s workforce has also grown significantly, with around 870 employees today.

Citron’s departure comes amid growing speculation that Discord is preparing for an IPO. Reports suggest that the company has met with investment bankers to discuss a potential initial public offering (IPO) as soon as this year.

While Discord has not officially confirmed these rumors, the hiring of a high-profile executive like Sakhnini has fueled speculation. In a recent interview, Citron addressed the IPO chatter with cautious optimism, stating: “We don’t have anything to announce, but as you can imagine, hiring someone like Humam is a step in that direction.”

What’s Next for Discord?

With Sakhnini at the helm, Discord is poised for its next phase of growth. His experience in scaling entertainment businesses and monetizing digital platforms could signal new revenue strategies for Discord, including potential advertising models and premium features.

As the company navigates this transition, one thing remains clear: Discord’s impact on online communication is undeniable. Whether it moves forward with an IPO or continues to operate as a private entity, its influence on gaming, tech, and broader digital culture is set to grow even further.