GoKawiilMatt Mullenweg reclaims Automattic CEO role after board's failed ouster attempt
Automattic confirmed that Matt Mullenweg has resumed his position as CEO and chairman with the board's backing, days after the board had voted to place him on leave and install CFO Mark Davies as interim CEO. Mullenweg had resisted the removal, taking control of the company's Slack, ejecting other admins, and publicly disputing the board's authority before the company's statement settled the matter in his favor.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The episode exposes unusual instability at the top of a major web infrastructure company that powers a huge share of the internet through WordPress, raising questions about governance and board authority when the founder retains outsized influence. It also signals potential internal fractures at Automattic that could affect strategy, staff morale, and investor confidence going forward.
- Automattic's board attempted to remove Mullenweg but reversed course within days.
- Mullenweg actively resisted the ouster by regaining control of internal communications.
- The company's official statement affirms Mullenweg's full authority as CEO and chairman.
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Published there as: “Automattic confirms Mullenweg has returned as CEO after attempted ouster by board”
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