GoKawiilAutomattic Board Places CEO Matt Mullenweg on Paid Leave, Names CFO Interim Chief
Automattic's board has voted to put founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg on paid leave, installing CFO Mark Davies as interim CEO. Mullenweg says he opposed the move and accused Davies of conspiring with board members Ann Dunwoody, Toni Schneider, and Sue Decker to sideline him, though he will stay on the board.
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This is a notable rupture at the top of a company that controls a huge share of the web through WordPress.com and Automattic's other properties, raising questions about internal governance and strategic direction. The dispute also lands amid Mullenweg's ongoing, high-profile conflicts with WP Engine and parts of the WordPress community, making the leadership shake-up especially consequential for the platform's future.
- Mullenweg is on paid leave; CFO Mark Davies becomes interim CEO.
- Mullenweg claims he voted against the leave and accuses Davies and board members of conspiring against him.
- He remains on Automattic's board despite stepping back from day-to-day leadership.
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Published there as: “Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg reportedly placed on leave”
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