The Linux kernel project has introduced a formal continuity plan to address leadership transitions, particularly if creator Linus Torvalds steps away. Drafted by Dan Williams, the document outlines a swift process involving key community figures to ensure ongoing development. This move follows discussions at recent summits amid concerns over an aging maintainer base.
The Linux kernel, a cornerstone of open-source software, has long relied on Linus Torvalds for final integration of changes into its mainline repository. With over 100 maintainers handling distributed development, the project has now formalized a succession strategy in a document merged into its documentation ahead of Linux 6.19-rc7. Titled the "Linux project continuity document," it resides at Documentation/process/conclave.rst and was prepared by Dan Williams.
The plan activates if the repository's maintainers, including Torvalds, become unable or unwilling to continue, emphasizing the need for immediate replacements. It designates an $ORGANIZER—either the most recent Maintainer Summit organizer or the Linux Foundation's Technical Advisory Board (TAB) chair—to initiate action within 72 hours. This involves convening invitees from the latest Maintainers Summit alongside the TAB for a meeting, either online or in-person, to maximize participation.
If no summit has occurred in the prior 15 months, the TAB selects attendees, who may invite additional maintainers. Chaired by the $ORGANIZER, the group will evaluate options for managing the top-level repository to safeguard the project's long-term health. Outcomes will be shared via the ksummit@lists.linux.dev mailing list, with the Linux Foundation providing support under TAB guidance.
This initiative stems from conversations at the 2025 Maintainers Summit, covering both voluntary transitions and unforeseen events. Torvalds, who has led the kernel since 1991, addressed aging maintainers at the 2024 Open Source Summit. Responding to Dirk Hohndel of Verizon, he noted: "Some people are probably still disappointed that I'm still here. I mean, it is absolutely true that kernel maintainers are aging."
Yet Torvalds remains optimistic, stating: "We've always had a lot of people who are very competent and could step up." He highlighted that newcomers can rise to main developer roles within three years, underscoring the community's resilience as it matures alongside projects like curl, where maintainer Daniel Stenberg has arranged discreet succession for his GitHub access.
