Automattic's board forces CEO Matt Mullenweg into leave of absence
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Automattic board forces CEO Matt Mullenweg onto paid leave, appointing CFO interim CEO.
Automattic's board voted to put founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg on a paid leave of absence, appointing CFO Mark Davies as interim CEO. Mullenweg posted in a company-wide Slack accusing Davies and board members of conspiring against him. The board confirmed the move, expressing confidence in Davies. The company is embroiled in a legal battle with WP Engine, with Mullenweg previously demanding royalty fees. In 2024, 159 employees quit after Mullenweg offered severance to those who disagreed with him. The board's reason remains unclear.
What commenters are saying
Commenters view this as a de facto firing, noting executives rarely announce firings directly. Several say Mullenweg's public accusation in a company-wide Slack makes his return unlikely. One commenter argues he is "evidently mentally ill," citing erratic behavior in the WP Engine dispute. Others push back, saying burnout and poor coping, not illness, explain his actions. A consensus holds the board's move was overdue given his unstable leadership and the damage to WordPress's reputation.