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MULLENWEG BACK AS AUTOMATTIC CEO AFTER BOARD CLASH

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
MON, SEP 14, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Matt Mullenweg has resumed his role as CEO of Automattic following an attempted ouster by the company's board. The WordPress founder regained control after the board move failed to dislodge him from leadership.

Automattic confirmed Mullenweg's return to the CEO position, ending a period of internal corporate conflict. The board attempted to remove him, but the effort did not succeed, allowing Mullenweg to reassert control of the company he founded. Details surrounding the ouster attempt remain limited, though the move represents significant turbulence in Automattic's leadership. Mullenweg has led the company through its growth as a major player in web publishing infrastructure and services. The reinstatement marks a decisive moment for the organization, restoring Mullenweg's authority over strategic direction. Automattic, which operates WordPress.com and oversees the WordPress open-source project, continues navigating competitive pressures in the content management and hosting sectors. The incident underscores ongoing tensions that can emerge between founders and board members over company direction and governance.

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