Technology
Matt Mullenweg returns as Automattic CEO after brief board dispute
Automattic confirmed the founder remains chairman and chief executive following an attempted board-led ouster.
The short version
- Automattic's board voted to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on leave and designated CFO Mark Davies as interim chief.[TechCrunch · Slashdot]
- Mullenweg announced to staff on Slack that he had regained control, and Automattic later confirmed he remains chairman and CEO with board support.[TechCrunch · Slashdot]
- Following the leadership contest, Davies's Slack account was deactivated.[Slashdot]
Key facts
- Automattic's board initially voted to place Matt Mullenweg on leave and appointed CFO Mark Davies as interim CEO.[TechCrunch · TechCrunch · Slashdot]
- Mullenweg sent a Slack message informing staff that the board had reached agreement and he was back in control.[TechCrunch · Slashdot]
- Automattic officially affirmed that Mullenweg is chairman and CEO with the full backing of the board.[TechCrunch]
- Mark Davies's company Slack account was deactivated following the leadership confrontation.[TechCrunch · Slashdot]
- Mullenweg published a personal blog post announcing the purchase of a tugboat while leadership confusion was underway.[Slashdot]
What remains uncertain
- The operational standing of CFO Mark Davies following the deactivation of his company Slack account remains unaddressed.[Slashdot]
- Whether changes occurred to the composition of Automattic's board of directors has not been confirmed by the company.[TechCrunch]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.