Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg Rebuilds Board Following Failed Attempt to Remove Him From Power

TechCrunch•Published: Sep 26, 2026 04:34 AM IST

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has successfully reconstituted the company's board of directors just weeks after a failed internal attempt to remove him from his position. The leadership shakeup follows a chaotic 33-hour period earlier this month where the previous board attempted to place Mullenweg on leave, only for him to regain control and dismiss the directors involved.

Board Composition: The new board features an eclectic group of members, including a best-selling science-fiction author and the co-founders of the now-defunct social app IRL.
Consolidated Control: Leveraging his 84% voting stake, Mullenweg removed key executives and board members, including the CFO and chief legal officer, while appointing new strategic advisors.
Legal Reorganization: Alongside the board changes, Mullenweg replaced the company’s legal counsel, potentially impacting ongoing litigation with hosting provider WP Engine regarding trademark disputes.

The Context & Background

This governance crisis occurred amid broader tensions at the company, which oversees major platforms like WordPress.com and Tumblr. The previous board's motivations for the attempted ouster were never publicly disclosed, leaving the internal restructuring as the primary resolution to the recent leadership upheaval.

Why it matters:The consolidation of power at Automattic highlights the risks of founder-controlled governance in major tech firms. As the company navigates high-stakes legal battles and market shifts, the stability of its leadership will determine the future trajectory of the WordPress ecosystem and its associated platforms.

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