Automattic Board Compels Founder‑CEO Matt Mullenweg to Step Aside

Automattic’s board of directors has placed founder and chief executive Matt Mullenweg on a leave of absence, a move that appears to have been made without his consent, according to a Slack communication obtained by TechCrunch.

Mullenweg, who launched the company that runs WordPress.com and a suite of related web services, posted a brief note in an internal Slack channel on Wednesday that indicated the board’s decision was unexpected. The message, which was visible to employees, suggested the action was taken “against his will,” though no further details were provided.

The sudden leadership change comes at a time when Automattic, valued at over $10 billion, continues to expand its product portfolio and pursue acquisitions. The company’s governance structure includes a board composed of longtime investors and independent members, who have the authority to intervene in executive matters. While the exact motivations behind the board’s decision have not been disclosed, insiders speculate that strategic disagreements or concerns about management could be factors.

Industry observers note that such a public split between a founder‑CEO and his board is relatively rare in the tech sector, especially for a firm that has largely been praised for its open‑source ethos and decentralized operations. The development raises questions about how Automattic will navigate its ongoing projects, including the rollout of new features for WordPress.com, its growing e‑commerce tools, and the integration of recent acquisitions.

Stakeholders are awaiting further clarification from Automattic’s leadership. The company has not released an official statement beyond acknowledging the board’s action, and it remains to be seen whether Mullenweg will return, be replaced permanently, or assume a different role within the organization. The situation underscores the delicate balance between founder influence and board oversight in fast‑growing technology firms.