Ben Gagnon, previously the company’s chief mining officer, will lead the Toronto-based Bitcoin miner as it fends off an ongoing attempt by Colorado-based rival Riot Platforms to shake up its board following a failed hostile takeover bid. (The Logic)

Talking point: Gagnon takes the CEO job during a time of turmoil, about two months after Bitfarms fired outgoing CEO Geoffrey Morphy early. The company, which had previously announced Morphy would depart once a committee hired a new CEO, terminated him after he filed a lawsuit claiming breach of contract, wrongful dismissal and other issues. About two weeks later, Riot revealed it had made a US$950-million bid for Bitfarms and started steadily increasing its stake. Riot has applied to the Ontario Securities Commission to contest a poison pill Bitfarms implemented that would dilute the stake of anyone who attempts to buy 15 per cent or more of the company.