Business · Companies · 18 hrs ago
Blockstream names Oz Ozturk to lead its EMEA business from Lugano
Blockstream has appointed Oz Ozturk to lead its EMEA business and serve as its global chief solutions officer.
He will work from Lugano, where he will lead the company’s enterprise business and consulting unit.
The Bitcoin infrastructure company announced plans in October to expand in Lugano and launch Blockstream Consulting Services.
Ozturk says Swiss banks have adopted Bitcoin widely, but only about one in five has the capabilities to support it.
Banks are seeking advice on how to secure Bitcoin, fit it into existing systems and handle services such as loans backed by Bitcoin.
Blockstream says it is hiring mainly in Switzerland and expects to grow beyond Lugano, with existing offices in Geneva, Zurich and Zug.
Blockstream named Oz Ozturk Managing Director EMEA and Global Chief Solutions Officer.
Ozturk will lead the company’s enterprise business and global consulting unit from Lugano.
He brings more than 30 years of experience in technology strategy and corporate transformation, most recently in senior roles at PwC.
Ozturk said Switzerland’s rule of law, regulation, talent and openness to customers helped drive the decision to base the business there.
Blockstream is also present in Geneva, Zurich and Zug.
- Who
- Blockstream named Oz Ozturk to lead its EMEA business.
- What
- He was appointed Managing Director EMEA and Global Chief Solutions Officer, leading the enterprise business and global consulting unit.
- When
- Monday, November 9, 2026.
- Where
- Lugano, Switzerland.
- Why
- Blockstream cited the Swiss market’s rule of law, regulation, talent and openness to customers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Blockstream CEO Adam Back announced plans to expand in Lugano and launch Blockstream Consulting Services at the Plan ₿ Forum.
Blockstream announced Ozturk’s appointment.
- New role
- Managing Director EMEA and Global Chief Solutions Officer
- Base
- Lugano, Switzerland
- Experience
- More than 30 years in technology strategy and corporate transformation
- Prior employer
- PwC
- Other Swiss locations
- Geneva, Zurich and Zug
What people are saying
Lugano is also the European headquarters because of its proximity to engineers from Milan and Turin
Switzerland is the gold standard on the continent
The Swiss market is strongly relationship-driven