technology
Automattic Board Dismissal Follows Failed Ouster of CEO Matt Mullenweg
Automattic's board has been dismissed after a failed effort to put CEO Matt Mullenweg on leave, sources confirm. This major shift in leadership comes just days after the controversial vote.
10/5/2026, 8:01:57 AM
Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has faced significant upheaval recently as its entire board has been removed. This development follows a controversial decision in which board members voted to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on temporary leave.
According to TechCrunch, sources have revealed that the decision to oust the board comes only days after they attempted to take action against Mullenweg. The move, which has sent shockwaves through the organization, indicates rising tensions within the company's leadership ranks.
Mullenweg, who has served as CEO for many years and is a co-founder of Automattic, has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s direction and expanding its influence in the online publishing space. His management style and vision have garnered both strong support and criticism, leading to divided opinions amongst leadership.
The board’s decision to place Mullenweg on leave reportedly sparked backlash from other executives and employees, reinforcing their support for the CEO. Sources indicated that the vote, which had been seen as an attempt to shift the company’s direction, instead culminated in a significant loss of confidence in the board itself.
In light of these events, the future leadership structure of Automattic remains uncertain. Industry observers are closely watching how the company will navigate this leadership crisis and the impact it may have on its operations moving forward.
As the dust settles following the board’s dismissal, questions arise about potential candidates for new board appointments and how the leadership team will adapt to ensure stability and support for Mullenweg in his role as CEO. Time will tell how this upheaval will affect Automattic's strategic initiatives and overall mission in the tech landscape.