technology
Matt Mullenweg Claims Control of Automattic Following Board Leave
Matt Mullenweg recently informed staff via Slack that he is back in charge of Automattic after a brief board leave. The company has yet to officially confirm this development, according to TechCrunch.
10/2/2026, 2:45:46 AM
Matt Mullenweg has communicated to Automattic employees through Slack that he has resumed his role as the leader of the company. This update comes shortly after he was placed on leave by the company’s board. While Mullenweg's message has been reported by various outlets, Automattic has not provided an official statement to confirm his return to power.
Days prior, the board's decision to put Mullenweg on leave had raised questions about the company's leadership and direction. His sudden re-establishment as the leader signals a tumultuous period within the company, as staff navigates the uncertainty and transitions in management.
As the co-founder of Automattic, Mullenweg has been a significant figure in the tech industry, particularly for his contributions to WordPress and the open-source movement. His return to control could also impact strategic decisions moving forward. This announcement from Mullenweg could either stabilize the company or lead to further inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his temporary leave.
Mullenweg’s message reflects a clear effort to assert authority during a potentially disruptive time for Automattic. Stakeholders and employees alike will be keen to see how the organization moves forward from this point, especially in light of recent developments. While Mullenweg’s leadership style has been a source of both innovation and contention, the broader context within the company remains to be fully understood.
As news of his return circulates, it will be crucial for Automattic to provide clarity on its management structure and future strategies. With much at stake, the coming days might unfold important changes or reaffirmations regarding the direction of the tech firm that has played a pivotal role in web publishing.