Following a turbulent week in which WordPress co‑founder Matt Mullenweg was voted out as CEO of Automattic, the company announced that he has resumed the role.
A spokesperson told TechCrunch via email shortly after 5 p.m. ET on Saturday that “Matt Mullenweg remains chairman and CEO of Automattic, enjoying the board’s full backing—something evident from the executive and staff endorsements circulating online,” noting that the online references likely point to supportive X posts Mullenweg has been resharing.
Earlier in the week, the board placed Mullenweg on paid leave without explanation, a decision that caught him off guard. He took to the company Slack channel, claiming the board was “conspiring” against him.
On Wednesday, Automattic confirmed to TechCrunch that Mullenweg was on leave and that CFO Mark Davies would serve as interim CEO, a move the board said it endorsed fully.
The board’s plan quickly unraveled. Mullenweg refused to step aside, removing several Slack administrators and informing staff that the issue was resolved and he had regained control, according to multiple sources speaking with TechCrunch. He later posted in Slack, “I’m a pirate now,” accompanied by profanity—uncharacteristic language for him—and added, “If this is an HR matter, please intervene, as my usual mediators are with Mark Davies.”
TechCrunch sought clarification from Mullenweg on whether his claim of returning as CEO was genuine; he said a blog post would follow. When it appeared, the piece discussed his purchase of a houseboat rather than his leadership status. Asked if his remarks were meant as a joke, he responded, “I’m not a troll—I’m a pirate, obviously.” Mullenweg never issued an official statement about his reinstatement, though he noted on X that this might be his fifth encounter with a “coup.”
Automattic also remained silent on Friday’s inquiries and on reports that board member Toni Schneider—a former Automattic CEO who now heads Bluesky—had resigned. Schneider did not reply to outreach sent to his personal email or through Bluesky.
We have followed up with Automattic regarding these developments and any further shifts in board membership, which sources indicate may still be unfolding.
