Automattic's board forces CEO Matt Mullenweg into leave of absence
20 days ago
- Matt Mullenweg, founder and CEO of Automattic (WordPress.com parent), was placed on a paid leave of absence against his will by the board, per a Slack message seen by TechCrunch.
- CFO Mark Davies was voted interim CEO; Mullenweg alleged Davies conspired with board members Ann Dunwoody, Toni Schneider, and Sue Decker to approve the leave, denying his request for independent legal review.
- WordPress.org executive director Mary Hubbard confirmed Mullenweg's status change at Automattic but said WordPress.org remains unaffected, with Mullenweg still leading the WordPress project.
- The board's reason for the leave is unclear; Schneider confirmed the board initiated the action, and Davies stated Mullenweg remains on the board of directors.
- Automattic confirmed the leave in a statement, expressing full confidence in Davies as interim CEO and the team's ability to execute priorities.
- Mullenweg and Automattic have faced ongoing legal battles, including a lawsuit with WP Engine over royalty claims and defamation, and a mass employee exodus in 2024 after Mullenweg offered severance to those who disagreed with him.
- In April 2025, Automattic laid off 16% of staff, including long-tenured employees; some current employees reacted with relief or mixed emotions, citing instability.