Automattic CEO Mullenweg names new board weeks after failed attempt to oust him

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has rebuilt the company's board, informing employees of the changes via Slack on Friday, just weeks after the previous board tried and failed to oust him. Automattic is the parent company of WordPress.com, Tumblr, WooCommerce and other products.

The new board includes science fiction author Hugh Howey, known for the "Silo" book series, "Breakup Bootcamp" author Amy Chan, and Henry Khatachryan and Krutal Desai, co-founders of the now-defunct social app IRL. IRL shut down after investigations found that most of its user base consisted of bots. Several new advisers with backgrounds in technology and startups have also joined the company.

The earlier dispute

Earlier this month, the previous board voted to place Mullenweg on paid leave in an attempt to remove him from his position. However, Mullenweg, who controls 84% of the voting shares, regained control of the company within 33 hours and 20 minutes, letting go of or accepting the resignations of the directors involved. Toni Schneider, an Automattic co-founder and current Bluesky CEO, also resigned from the board, along with General Ann Dunwoody and board member Sue Decker. Mullenweg additionally dismissed CFO Mark Davies, who had been slated to become interim CEO, and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan.

The board has not publicly explained its reasons for attempting to remove Mullenweg. After retaking control, he also replaced the company's legal counsel, hiring Susman Godfrey LLP — a move that raises questions about a possible connection to Automattic's ongoing litigation with hosting provider WP Engine over trademark disputes. In an internal message to staff, Mullenweg acknowledged the disruption caused by the events but stressed that the company's mission and priorities remain unchanged.