From The Verge · Emma Roth · · 1 min
Automattic Board Ousts CEO Matt Mullenweg
Automattic has placed WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg on paid leave following internal disputes and public battles.
In brief
Automattic has placed WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg on paid leave following internal disputes and public battles. Mounting internal conflict forced Automattic's board to step in, removing WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg from executive control. Originally reported by The Verge.
Mullenweg placed on leave
Automattic board members voted to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on a paid leave of absence. The decision removes the WordPress co-founder from daily operations.
“They voted to put me on a paid leave of absence. I voted against that.”
Allegations against executive team
Mullenweg claims Chief Financial Officer Mark Davies conspired with board members to strip him of leadership. He publicly named several board directors who voted for his removal.
Interim CEO takes charge
CFO Mark Davies will take over executive leadership during the leave of absence. The board expressed complete trust in Davies to guide the business forward.
“We’ve worked closely with Mark over the years and we’re confident he will steer the ship well while Matt is away.”
A legacy of public battles
Mullenweg took over as CEO in 2014. In 2024, he launched a fierce public dispute against a major hosting provider, splitting the open source community and creating lasting legal troubles.
Board seat remains intact
While Mullenweg loses his day-to-day authority over Automattic, he will keep his position on the company board of directors.
The main idea
Mounting internal conflict forced Automattic's board to step in, removing WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg from executive control.
