diff --git a/MAINTAINERS.md b/MAINTAINERS.md
index 1a9b5d7407cc..7658d49e87e7 100644
--- a/MAINTAINERS.md
+++ b/MAINTAINERS.md
@@ -5,9 +5,9 @@ SPDX-License-Identifier: CC-BY-SA-4.0
 
 # k0s maintainers
 
-We're currently working on providing more detailed project governance documentation for k0s. This file documents the current maintainers and their affiliation.
+Maintainers are responsible for guiding the technical direction, reviewing contributions, and ensuring the overall health of the k0s project. Refer to [community repository](https://github.com/k0sproject/community) for more details on how we're organized.
 
-## Maintainers
+## Current Maintainers
 
 This is the list of current maintainers of k0s:
 
@@ -15,9 +15,16 @@ This is the list of current maintainers of k0s:
 |--------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
 | Jussi Nummelin     | [@jnummelin](https://github.com/jnummelin)                 | Mirantis    |
 | Tom Wieczorek      | [@twz123](https://github.com/twz123)                       | Mirantis    |
-| Juan Luis Valadas  | [@juanluisvaladas](https://github.com/juanluisvaladas)     | Mirantis    |
 | Natanael Copa      | [@ncopa](https://github.com/ncopa)                         | Mirantis    |
 | Aleksey Makhov     | [@makhov](https://github.com/makhov)                       | Mirantis    |
 | Kimmo Lehto        | [@kke](https://github.com/kke)                             | Mirantis    |
-| Ricardo Maraschini | [@ricardomaraschini](https://github.com/ricardomaraschini) | Replicated  |
 | Ethan Mosbaugh     | [@emosbaugh](https://github.com/emosbaugh)                 | Replicated  |
+
+## Emeritus Maintainers
+
+Emeritus Maintainers are valued individuals who previously dedicated their time and expertise as active Maintainers, making significant contributions to the k0sproject. We deeply appreciate their past service and lasting impact, and warmly welcome them to rejoin active maintenance or contribute to the community at any time.
+
+| Maintainer         | GitHub ID                                                  | Affiliation |
+|--------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
+| Juan Luis Valadas  | [@juanluisvaladas](https://github.com/juanluisvaladas)     | Mirantis    |
+| Ricardo Maraschini | [@ricardomaraschini](https://github.com/ricardomaraschini) | Replicated  |
\ No newline at end of file