TECHNOLOGY · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Matt Mullenweg Reinstated as Automattic CEO After Two-Day Leave
WHY IT MATTERS
Mullenweg’s return restores continuity in Automattic’s leadership, potentially stabilizing strategic direction and investor confidence after a brief executive upheaval.
What happened
Two days after Automattic’s board placed him on a paid leave of absence, founder Matt Mullenweg was reinstated as chief executive, according to a Slack message seen by TechCrunch. Mullenweg had previously warned staff that CFO Mark Davies had conspired with the board to remove him and that the board had voted to appoint Davies as interim CEO.
Davies later confirmed that Mullenweg would remain on the board. Automattic’s spokesperson said Mullenweg was “currently …” but did not elaborate.
The swift reversal means Mullenweg will resume day‑to‑day leadership, while Davies retains a board seat, and the company’s governance structure remains in flux as it moves forward.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Matt Mullenweg returns as Automattic CEO two days after getting booted
The Verge · Jay Peters · Discovery only; Vox Media copyright terms apply · Source updated