Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has officially confirmed that founder Matt Mullenweg has resumed his role as CEO following a tumultuous week of internal conflict. The turmoil began when the board of directors unexpectedly voted to place Mullenweg on a paid leave of absence, temporarily appointing Chief Financial Officer Mark Davies as interim leader.
The board’s maneuver was swiftly contested by Mullenweg, who resisted the ouster and leveraged internal communication channels to reassert his control over the company. Despite eccentric public remarks and a chaotic sequence of events on corporate chat platforms, Automattic’s latest statement clarifies that Mullenweg retains the full backing of the board and key executives.
While this reconciliation appears to stabilize the company’s leadership for now, questions remain regarding potential shifts in board composition, including reports surrounding the departure of board member Toni Schneider. The episode highlights a rare high-stakes governance crisis within one of the web’s most influential infrastructure companies.
- Matt Mullenweg is officially back as CEO and chairman of Automattic.
- The board had previously attempted to oust him by placing him on a leave of absence.
- Mullenweg resisted the removal and reclaimed operational control.
- Automattic confirmed he currently holds the full support of the board.
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