The head of Equinix's bare metal service and Edge efforts has left the company for "parts unknown."

Zac Smith joined the company after Equinix bought his Packet business back in 2020 and rebranded it as Equinix Metal.

In a note to customers, Smith said that "those who know me understand how passionate I am about the future of digital infrastructure and Equinix’s role in this incredible part of our world."

He added: "The team here at Equinix is top-notch, hiring like mad and building a future even bolder than I had ever imagined. And, hard as it may be, I feel that now is a good time for this proud startup founder to step aside and let the magic happen!"

Smith did not disclose where he will go next, or if he will start a new venture. He remains president of the board of directors at the Open19 Foundation.

We last spoke to Smith in October, when he detailed Metal's efforts to help Ukrainian companies move data out of conflict zones.

"We're providing a couple $100,000 a month of physical infrastructure," he told DCD.