During a turbulent 33-hour window when Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg was temporarily placed on leave by the board of directors, top executives hastily signed reciprocal severance agreements. Interim CEO Mark Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan executed each other’s exit packages, securing substantial payouts.
Following Mullenweg’s rapid return to power and the subsequent departure of the board members who orchestrated his ouster, the executives were terminated, leaving the company facing $8.15 million in severance obligations. Automattic’s legal team is currently reviewing whether to honor these payouts or challenge their validity in court.
- CEO Matt Mullenweg temporarily ousted for 33 hours by the board
- Execs signed mutual severance packages totaling $8.15 million
- Mullenweg returned and promptly terminated the involved executives
- Automattic is evaluating legal options to challenge the agreements
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