Riot Blockchain Names Chris Ensey Interim CEO

(RTTNews) - Riot Blockchain Inc. (RIOT) said that Chris Ensey would be named Interim Chief Executive in connection with a restructuring of the Company's senior executives.

Ensey is expected to continue to aggressively pursue the exploration of the Company's RiotX digital currency exchange under license from Coinsquare and expanded opportunities for digital asset and cryptocurrency businesses. The move follows the resignation of John O'Rourke, the Company's Chairman and CEO.

Ensey has an extensive background in related industries and served as Chief Operating Officer prior to this announcement. He has held roles with Dunbar Armored, SafeNet and IBM including positions in cybersecurity and product development.

In addition, current Lead Director Remo Mancini has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Board has created a new Investment and Strategy Committee which will be led by Andrew Kaplan as Chairperson. In connection with the restructuring, Jason Les has been named Interim Chairperson of the Audit Committee. Each of the Company's independent directors will continue to serve on each of the committees of the Board.

The company disclosed information in its last earnings report regarding comment letters received from the Securities and Exchange Commission. These letters concerned "the unsettled nature of accounting treatment for the company's cryptocurrency mining" and other topics.

RIOT closed Friday's trading at $4.30, down $1.38 or 24.30 percent.