We should distinguish between centralization of the consensus algorithm and governance.
The hashgraph algorithm is highly decentralized - there are no leaders, miners, coordinators or block producers with special influence towards consensus. Hedera will initially be operated by a group of KYC'd nodes from diverse industries, geographies, and operational environments. The plan is that, eventually, it will be possible for any individual or organization to run a node and that the network will expand to millions of nodes across the globe.
The Hedera governance model is also decentralized. All members of the Hedera Governing Council will have equal voting rights and Council members (except Swirlds, Inc.) will be limited to a three-year term with a limit of two consecutive terms. Swirlds, Inc., the owner, and licensor of the hashgraph technology will retain a permanent seat on the Governing Council. Council membership will be decentralized across sectors and regions, with no one industry or country having undue representation.
We believe that the design of the Council, composed of multi-billion dollar companies from different sectors and regions, will deliver a governance model that will be resistant to collusion and coercion - the ultimate measures of decentralization.