Chainlink announces that former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, joins the blockchain project as a strategic advisor.
Announcement
Chainlink Labs, whose eponymous protocol connects data from outside sources to a blockchain, announced today that former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has joined the organization as a strategic advisor. Schmidt served as Google’s CEO and chairman from 2001 to 2011. As well as a technical advisor to the search engine’s parent company, Alphabet, from 2018 to 2020.
During Schmidt’s 10-year run as CEO, Google dramatically scaled its worldwide network and services; executed a successful $23 billion initial public offering. Launched global product offerings such as Gmail, Google Maps, and Chrome. As well as acquired several tech titans along the way including YouTube and Android.
According to a Tuesday announcement, Chainlink said Schmidt would guide the firm’s scaling strategy in its use of oracle networks to trigger smart contracts. Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov cited Schmidt’s experience “building global software platforms for next-generation innovation” in the firm’s decision to bring the former Google exec on board.
In the DeFi space, oracles usually provide information about the price of an asset. However, they can be put to more uses pertaining to the provision of real-world information including sporting events and weather data among others.
Quotes
“The launch of blockchains and smart contracts has demonstrated tremendous potential for the building of new business models. But it has become clear that one of blockchain’s greatest advantages — a lack of connection to the world outside itself — is also its biggest challenge. Chainlink is a secret ingredient to unlocking the potential of smart contract platforms and revolutionizing business and society. I am excited to be helping the Chainlink Labs team build a world powered by truth,” said Schmidt.
“Blockchain networks and Chainlink oracles are at a crucial inflection point in terms of growth and adoption. Eric’s experience and insights around building global software platforms for next-generation innovation will be invaluable as we help developers and institutions usher in a new age of economic fairness and transparency.” said Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov.
