Matt Mullenweg has been reinstated as CEO of Automattic, according to a Slack message seen by TechCrunch and confirmed by WordPress Executive Director Mary Hubbard on X. The reinstatement comes just two days after Mullenweg was placed on paid leave by the board of directors.
On Wednesday, Mullenweg told staff via Slack that CFO Mark Davies had “conspired” with the board, which voted to place him on a paid leave of absence. Mullenweg said he voted against the decision. The board also voted for Davies to become interim CEO, with Mullenweg retaining his board membership, according to 404 Media.
In a Slack message viewed by TechCrunch late Thursday evening, however, Mullenweg wrote that the board is “back in agreement” and that he is “in control of Automattic.” He stated that “A lot happened in the past 48 hours that we need to sort out, and I hope much of it was a misunderstanding, because I have huge respect and regard for those involved.”
According to TechCrunch, Davies’ Slack account has been deactivated and Mullenweg removed “all” admins from Automattic’s Slack workspace.
On Friday, Mullenweg posted on X that “If you don’t have a coup attempt every few years, you’re not hiring strong enough leaders,” adding in a separate post that “I think this was my fifth.” He also published a blog post on Friday titled “Major Life Announcement,” though that post addressed a separate matter regarding an offer to buy a houseboat.
Automattic, which owns WordPress.com, Tumblr, and Beeper, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the leadership change. An Automattic spokesperson had previously confirmed to The Verge that Mullenweg was on leave and that Davies had been appointed interim CEO.
Key facts
- Matt Mullenweg was placed on paid leave by Automattic’s board on Wednesday, with CFO Mark Davies appointed interim CEO
- Mullenweg was reinstated as CEO within two days after the board reportedly reached agreement to bring him back
- Mullenweg posted on social media characterizing the events as a ‘coup attempt,’ stating he has experienced five such incidents
- CFO Mark Davies’ Slack account was deactivated following Mullenweg’s return
- Automattic owns WordPress.com, Tumblr, and Beeper