Automattic Faces Turmoil as New Board Takes Charge
In a significant shakeup, Automattic has announced a new board following a failed attempt to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on a leave of absence. This tumultuous event unfolded recently, leading to the resignation of board member Toni Schneider, a founding CEO of Automattic who currently serves as CEO of Bluesky. Additionally, Mullenweg took decisive action by removing General Ann Dunwoody from the board, while fellow member Sue Decker also chose to step down. The turmoil didn’t stop there, as Mullenweg also terminated CFO Mark Davies, who was expected to assume the role of interim CEO, along with chief legal officer Andy Missan.
Founder advice: If you don’t have a coup attempt every few years, you’re not hiring strong enough leaders.
— Matt Mullenweg (@photomatt) September 11, 2026
The motives behind the board’s attempt to oust Mullenweg were never disclosed to the public.
Legal Maneuvering Amidst Internal Strife
In a notable development, Mullenweg also changed Automattic’s legal representation shortly after his reinstatement. This move raises speculation about a possible connection between the boardroom conflict and the ongoing legal battle with hosting provider WP Engine, which involves trademark disputes and allegations regarding WP Engine’s contributions to the WordPress open-source project. Notably, WP Engine’s legal team accused Mullenweg in July of evidence destruction, as revealed in court documents.
Mullenweg’s Response to the Crisis
In an internal communication sent after the upheaval, Mullenweg addressed the chaos that ensued:
“Last week, several board members formed a special committee and voted to place me on a leave of absence. They did this without advance warning and without giving me a meaningful opportunity to understand or respond to their concerns before they acted. I was denied even a brief extension to consult with independent legal counsel.”
He continued, “I took the steps necessary to reverse that action. I am back and fully in charge of the company. I am again working alongside you to make our company a success.”
Mullenweg also announced the retention of Susman Godfrey LLP as the new litigation counsel, emphasizing the firm’s status as one of the leading trial firms in the nation. “They will be protecting our company’s interests and defending us in our ongoing litigation,” he stated.
Acknowledging the unsettling nature of the past week, Mullenweg expressed gratitude for the team’s patience and commitment, affirming that Automattic’s mission and priorities remain steadfast.
