# Automattic Board Forces CEO Matt Mullenweg Out

> Automattic's board places founder Matt Mullenweg on leave following years of legal battles, layoffs, and internal turmoil.
- Title: Automattic Board Forces CEO Matt Mullenweg Out · TechCrunch
- Summary: Automattic's board places founder Matt Mullenweg on leave following years of legal battles, layoffs, and internal turmoil. Even founder-CEOs can be forced…
- Keywords: automattic, wordpress, business, leadership, tech, technology, startups, Board, Forces, CEO, Matt, Mullenweg
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/09/automattics-board-forces-ceo-matt-mullenweg-into-leave-of-absence
- Author: Julie Bort, Sarah Perez
- Published: 2026-09-09T23:14:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: automattic, wordpress, business, leadership, tech, technology, startups
## Forced leave of absence
Automattic's board has ousted founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg, placing him on a paid leave of absence against his wishes.

> I voted against that.
## Mullenweg alleges Slack coup
Mullenweg informed employees via Slack that CFO Mark Davies and three board members plotted his removal without allowing time for legal review.

> @Mark Davies has conspired with @Ann Dunwoody, @Toni, and @Sue Decker behind my back
## Davies named interim CEO
Automattic confirmed that CFO Mark Davies will serve as interim CEO while Mullenweg retains his seat on the board of directors.

> The Board has full confidence in Mark’s leadership and in the team’s ability to execute
## Open source project unaffected
The leadership change only impacts commercial entity Automattic. Mullenweg will continue leading the independent open-source WordPress.org community.

> Matt remains the leader of the WordPress project and I remain Executive Director of WordPress.
## Escalating legal conflicts
The abrupt ouster comes after years of public drama, including a bitter legal battle with WP Engine over revenue demands and trademark usage.
## Clashing over corporate culture
Prior to his removal, Mullenweg sparked internal turmoil when 159 employees resigned during a buyout offer, followed by a 16% layoff in 2025.
## Employees react to sudden shift
Automattic staff reported feeling ecstatic and relieved by the board's move, though some fear the sudden shakeup creates further instability.
## Key takeaway

Even founder-CEOs can be forced out by their board when ongoing controversies and employee friction threaten company stability.