# Automattic CEO Rebuilds Board After Failed Ousting Attempt

> Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg replaces board after 33-hour failed attempt to remove him from leadership.
- Title: Automattic CEO Rebuilds Board After Failed Ousting Attempt
- Summary: Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg replaces board after 33-hour failed attempt to remove him from leadership. Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg rebuilt the company's…
- Keywords: automattic, matt mullenweg, wordpress, board, ceo, delaware law, irr, whoop, kissmetrics, susman godfrey, technology, startups
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/25/automattic-has-a-new-board-after-failed-attempt-to-put-ceo-on-leave
- Author: Sarah Perez
- Published: 2026-09-25T23:04:34+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: automattic, matt mullenweg, wordpress, board, ceo, delaware law, irr, whoop, kissmetrics, susman godfrey, technology, startups
## Automattic Board Rebuild
Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has rebuilt the company’s board just weeks after its previous directors tried, and failed, to oust him.
## Failed Ousting Attempt
The previous board voted to place Mullenweg on leave in an attempt to remove him from the board, only to have the CEO retake control just 33 hours later.
## New Board Members
The new board includes science-fiction author Hugh Howey, AI site builder author Amy Chan, IRL co-founder Henry Khachatryan, and Krutal Desai.
## IRL Shutdown Context
IRL shut down after investigations revealed nearly all users were bots, with co-founders later suing SoftBank and investors over securities fraud.
## New Advisors
Automattic added former Whoop CTO Jaime Waydo, June co-founder Matt Van Horn, and KISSmetrics co-founder Hiten Shah as new advisers.
## Mullenweg's Statement
Mullenweg stated, 'We are living through times of unprecedented change, possibly a singularity. The next six months will determine the next 20 years of Automattic.'

> We are living through times of unprecedented change, possibly a singularity. The next six months will determine the next 20 years of Automattic.
## Board Reversal Details
Mullenweg removed General Ann Dunwoody from the board and had founding CEO Toni Schneider resign after the failed ousting attempt.
## Legal Counsel Change
Mullenweg replaced Automattic’s legal counsel with Susman Godfrey LLP, a top trial firm, amid ongoing litigation with WP Engine over trademark disputes.
## Mullenweg's Internal Message
Mullenweg acknowledged the board’s actions were without warning and denied him time to consult with independent legal counsel before reversing the decision.
## Key takeaway

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg rebuilt the company's board following a failed 33-hour effort to place him on leave, retaining control after previous directors reversed their decision.