Automattic Board Resigns After Failed Attempt to Suspend CEO Matt Mullenweg

According to sources cited by TechCrunch, the board of Automattic — the company behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack and other widely used web tools — has resigned after a brief but dramatic attempt to sideline its founder and chief executive, Matt Mullenweg.

The episode began when board members voted to place Mullenweg on a temporary leave of absence, citing concerns over strategic direction and internal governance. The vote, however, did not translate into a permanent removal, and the move sparked a wave of dissent among several directors who felt the action threatened the company’s long‑term vision.

Within days, the same board members announced their collective resignation, effectively emptying Automattic’s top‑level oversight body. Internal communications sent to employees and partners emphasized that the resignation would not disrupt day‑to‑day operations and that a new board would be assembled quickly.

Mullenweg, who founded Automattic in 2005 and has been its public face for more than a decade, is expected to remain at the helm throughout the transition. The company reassured stakeholders that product development, community support and upcoming investments would continue unabated.

The sudden leadership vacuum has drawn keen attention from the tech community and investors alike. Industry analysts warn that such governance turmoil could erode confidence, potentially affecting future fundraising rounds and market positioning. Conversely, Mullenweg’s deep ties to the open‑source ecosystem may provide a stabilising influence during this uncertain period.

Automattic plans to convene an emergency meeting of its shareholders to appoint a new board and outline any structural changes. The next few weeks will be critical as the company navigates this internal crisis while maintaining the momentum of its core platforms.

Source: TechCrunch

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