Automattic installs new board after CEO ouster attempt fails
Automattic has formed a new board after previous directors tried and failed to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on leave. The new directors include author Hugh Howey, Amy Chan, and IRL co-founders Henry Khachatryan and Krutal Desai, along with several new advisers. Mullenweg said he remains CEO, president, treasurer, and secretary under Delaware law.
Automattic, owner of WordPress.com, Tumblr and WooCommerce, has reconstituted its board after an earlier attempt to sideline CEO Matt Mullenweg. That prior board voted to put him on paid leave, but he reclaimed authority in roughly thirty-three hours and twenty minutes, using his 84% voting stake; several directors then left or were removed.
The newly announced directors include author Hugh Howey, Amy Chan, and IRL co-founders Henry Khachatryan and Krutal Desai. Advisers include Jaime Waydo, Matt Van Horn and Hiten Shah. Mullenweg stated that Delaware law keeps him as chief executive, president, treasurer and secretary.
The dispute could affect Automattic employees, WordPress.com users, Tumblr communities, and WooCommerce merchants, since leadership instability may influence product roadmaps, moderation, pricing, or support. It may also draw attention from founders and investors debating how much control a CEO should retain. For now, the practical consequences for the wider public remain uncertain, as the new board’s priorities and decisions have not yet been detailed.