Automattic appoints WordPress VIP finance chief as temporary CFO
Automattic has named Jeremy Klaperman, CFO of its WordPress VIP Enterprise unit, as interim CFO following the departure of Mark Davies. The move comes after a failed attempt to oust CEO Matt Mullenweg, which also led to the exit of other executives. Mullenweg expressed confidence in the company's financial position and said the board will evaluate candidates for the permanent role.
Jeremy Klaperman, who leads finance for the WordPress VIP enterprise division, steps into the interim CFO role. He previously served as Automattic's top financial officer when Mark Davies took a sabbatical, giving him direct experience with the company's overall finances. The board, still reconstituting itself after recent resignations, will weigh both internal and external candidates before making a permanent hire.
The leadership shakeup stems from a failed attempt by former board members to remove Mullenweg, which lasted 33 hours. During that window, Davies and legal chief Andy Missan signed reciprocal severance agreements before departing. Mullenweg has publicly affirmed the company's cash reserves are solid, and a new legal chief has verbally accepted a role. The next board meeting is set for September 23.
The rapid leadership churn at Automattic could create ripples across the vast WordPress ecosystem, which powers a significant share of the web. Enterprise clients relying on WordPress VIP may face uncertainty about strategic direction, though Mullenweg's reaffirmed control and financial confidence could mitigate immediate concerns. The interim CFO's prior experience may ensure continuity, but prolonged board instability could affect hiring, product investment, and customer trust. Ultimately, how this governance dispute resolves may serve as a case study for other tech firms navigating founder-led board conflicts.