Automattic board sidelines CEO Mullenweg, appoints CFO as interim leader
Automattic's board voted to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on paid leave against his will, naming CFO Mark Davies as interim CEO. Mullenweg accused the CFO and other board members of conspiring behind his back. The company confirmed the change, but said WordPress.org leadership remains unaffected.
The board resolution was delivered to Mullenweg just 50 minutes before the vote, and his request for a brief delay to obtain independent legal counsel was refused. While Automattic confirmed the leadership shift, the executive director of WordPress.org clarified that Mullenweg retains his role guiding the open-source project.
The move follows a turbulent period marked by a contentious lawsuit with WP Engine over royalty demands, a 2024 ultimatum that led 159 employees to resign, and a 16% workforce reduction in April 2025. Current staff reportedly show mixed reactions, with some expressing relief and others fearing further organizational instability.
The leadership upheaval at Automattic could create uncertainty for the millions of websites and businesses relying on WordPress infrastructure. It may also signal shifting governance dynamics in founder-led tech companies, where boards increasingly challenge visionary leaders. Furthermore, the ongoing legal disputes could influence how open-source communities negotiate commercial licensing and royalties, potentially affecting developers and hosting providers globally.