Matt Mullenweg reportedly returns as Automattic CEO two days after getting booted

September 9, 2026 · 10:15 pm 5 sources

Image: The Verge

Coverage

Coverage

• Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg reportedly placed on leave
  The Verge · September 9, 2026 22:15
  Matt Mullenweg, the CEO of WordPress.com owner Automattic, has been placed on a paid leave of absence, according to a report from 404 Media. In an internal announcement viewed by the outlet, Mullenweg claims Automattic chief financial officer Mark Davies "conspired" with board members to place him…
• Automattic’s board forces CEO Matt Mullenweg into leave of absence
  TechCrunch · September 9, 2026 23:14
  Mullenweg said in a company Slack message that it was against his will.
• Matt Mullenweg tells Automattic staff in Slack he’s back in control after CEO ouster
  TechCrunch · September 11, 2026 15:19
  In a Slack message seen by TechCrunch, Matt Mullenweg told Automattic employees he’s back in control of the company, days after its board put him on leave. Automattic has not yet confirmed the apparent reversal.
• Matt Mullenweg reportedly returns as Automattic CEO two days after getting booted
  The Verge · September 11, 2026 17:16
  Two days after being placed on a paid leave of absence, Matt Mullenweg says he has been reinstated as CEO of Automattic, according to a Slack message seen by TechCrunch. As 404 Media reported on Wednesday, Mullenweg had told staff in Slack that CFO Mark Davies "conspired" with the board of…
• Automattic confirms Mullenweg has returned as CEO after attempted ouster by board
  TechCrunch · September 12, 2026 23:25
  Automattic says Mullenweg is back as "chairman and CEO of Automattic, with full support of the board."