Anthony Armstrong, known for his close ties to Elon Musk, has been appointed to Coinbase's Board of Directors. Armstrong previously advised Musk on his acquisition of Twitter in 2022 and was involved in other high-profile mergers and acquisitions, including Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. His appointment adds a figure with significant experience in large-scale corporate transactions to Coinbase's leadership.
Beyond his corporate finance background, Armstrong currently serves as a Senior Advisor in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), where he has indicated an intent to reduce the federal workforce. The New York Times reported in January that he was considered "the most empowered of Mr. Musk’s allies” at OPM. This dual role in both the private and public sectors, particularly within an agency focused on federal employment, suggests a multifaceted influence.
Armstrong's history includes advising on several deals that faced federal scrutiny, such as the Activision Blizzard merger which the FTC unsuccessfully attempted to block, and the VMware acquisition that led to price increases for customers. He also has international experience, having led Qatar Holding's $2.3 billion buyout of Harrods in 2010. His presence on Coinbase's board could bring a unique perspective given his background in complex M&A and government-related roles.
