The Bitcoin Foundation is bitcoin’s oldest trade organisation, and now they have just voted a South African as their new director.

Just weeks after their outgoing director notified the board of his departure, they’ve named Llew Claasen to the position.

A venture capitalist from Cape Town, Claasen is relatively unknown in the bitcoin community. He and his business partner Vinny Lingham – yes, the guy who was on the first season of Dragon’s Den – started Newton Partners, an angel investment and venture capital firm.

They’ve also invested in notable startups such as SAFlorist, SweepSouth, Kaya, and Eship.

Vinny, who is also a board member of the Bitcoin Foundation, did not vote due to his and Claasen’s “long business relationship”.

Here’s some information on the foundation, via coindesk:

Though it once boasted a nearly 10-person full-time staff, the Bitcoin Foundation shed all of its paid employees over the course of 2014. Entering 2015, the organization reorganized as a primarily volunteer organization focused more on software development, thought its relevancy in this space has recently been challenged.

Llew Claasen had this to say on his appointment to the board:

I’m looking forward to leading the Bitcoin Foundation going forward. There is an amazing opportunity for the organization to help the Bitcoin ecosystem. In the coming weeks I’ll be working closely with the board, membership, transition team and various stakeholders to create the best plan for success possible.

Outgoing executive director Bruce Fenton was supportive:

I’m thrilled that Llew was appointed to this role, we think his skill set is exactly what is needed now. The foundation is in a great position and in great hands. I look forward to supporting Llew however I can in this exciting new chapter.

Board Member and business partner, Vinny Lingham said,

I’ve known Llew for many years and have worked with him in several capacities. I think he will be a perfect fit for the organisation as we build on the significant progress we have made.

Seems like everyone is stoked all round.

[source: iol]