Technology
Matt Mullenweg claims return as Automattic CEO following brief leave of absence
The co-founder told staff he regained control two days after the board sidelined him.
The short version
- Matt Mullenweg announced on Slack that he has resumed control of Automattic two days after the board placed him on paid leave.[TechCrunch · The Verge]
- Mullenweg had accused CFO Mark Davies and the board of conspiring to remove him and name Davies interim CEO.[TechCrunch · The Verge]
- Davies's Slack account was deactivated following the announcement, while formal confirmation from the board remains pending.[TechCrunch]
Key facts
- Matt Mullenweg told Automattic staff on Slack that he has been reinstated as CEO two days after being placed on paid leave.[TechCrunch · The Verge]
- Mullenweg previously accused CFO Mark Davies and the board of conspiring to place him on leave and name Davies interim CEO.[TechCrunch · The Verge]
- An Automattic spokesperson earlier confirmed Mullenweg was on leave and Davies was interim CEO.[TechCrunch]
- Sources reported that Mark Davies's Slack account was deactivated and that Mullenweg had previously removed all Slack admins.[TechCrunch]
What remains uncertain
- Direct confirmation of Mullenweg's reinstatement from Automattic's board of directors has not yet been heard internally.[TechCrunch]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.