Matt Mullenweg, chief executive of Automattic and co-founder of WordPress.org, has been placed on a paid leave of absence from his position leading the company. According to reporting from 404 Media, Mullenweg disputed the decision in an internal message, stating that CFO Mark Davies, along with board members Ann Dunwoody, Toni Schneider, and Sue Decker, orchestrated his removal from the role.
Mullenweg indicated his opposition to the board’s action in his communication, noting that he voted against the measure while the board voted in favor. Despite being stepped down from his executive position, Mullenweg will continue serving on Automattic’s board of directors.
Automattic confirmed the leadership transition through company spokesperson Megan Fox, who stated that Mark Davies, the company’s chief financial officer, will assume duties as interim CEO during Mullenweg’s absence. The board expressed confidence in Davies’s ability to lead the organization during this period. Board member Toni Schneider communicated the decision to staff through the company’s internal messaging system, emphasizing the board’s familiarity with Davies and their belief in his capability to manage company operations and strategic priorities.
Mullenweg has led Automattic since 2014. His tenure has been marked by significant developments within the WordPress ecosystem, including a public campaign earlier in 2024 directed at a major WordPress hosting provider that created divisions within the open-source community and prompted legal action that remains ongoing.
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