Confirmed by 2 independent sources.
Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder and CEO of Automattic, has been placed on an involuntary paid leave of absence by the company’s board of directors. Chief Financial Officer Mark Davies has been appointed as interim CEO, while Mullenweg retains his seat on the board.
In an internal message to employees, Mullenweg criticized the decision, alleging that executive members conspired behind his back and denied him adequate time for legal consultation. Automattic’s leadership confirmed the transition through an official statement, expressing full confidence in Davies’ ability to guide the company.
The leadership shakeup follows a turbulent period for Automattic, marked by a prolonged legal battle with web host WP Engine, internal controversies, and workforce reductions. Meanwhile, representatives for the open-source WordPress project noted that their operations remain unaffected.
- Automattic board forces CEO Matt Mullenweg onto a leave of absence.
- CFO Mark Davies steps in as the interim chief executive.
- Mullenweg calls the decision a conspiracy but remains on the board.
- The company has recently faced intense legal battles and internal friction.
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