Automattic CEO Rebuilds Board After Failed Leadership Coup
Matt Mullenweg regains control and appoints new directors following a 33-hour power struggle.
1Boardroom coup reversed
Automattic's previous board voted to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on paid leave, only for him to regain control within 33 hours. The swift reversal came after Mullenweg used his 84% voting share control to remove dissenting directors. This marks the most significant governance crisis since Automattic's acquisition of WooCommerce a decade ago. The failed ouster attempt saw the resignation of founding CEO Toni Schneider and other key board members.
2New eclectic leadership team
Mullenweg's new board includes unconventional appointments: a bestselling sci-fi author and two co-founders of defunct social app IRL. The latter's platform was shut down after investigations revealed its user base was mostly bots. Additional advisors include former Woop CTO Jaime Waydo and KISSmetrics co-founder Hiten Shah. This reshuffle follows Mullenweg's replacement of Automattic's legal counsel with top trial firm Susman Godfrey LLP.
3Legal battles loom
The boardroom drama coincides with Automattic's ongoing trademark lawsuit against WP Engine. Court filings show WP Engine accused Mullenweg of evidence destruction in July 2026. The timing suggests potential connections between the governance crisis and legal pressures. Mullenweg has framed the next six months as critical for Automattic's future, calling this period potentially determinative for the next two decades.
4Executive casualties
The failed coup resulted in several high-profile departures beyond board members. CFO Mark Davies, slated to become interim CEO, was let go along with chief legal officer Andy Missan. General Ann Dunwoody was removed from the board, while Sue Decker resigned. Mullenweg described these actions as necessary after what he termed a 'coup attempt' on social media platform X.
5Unanswered questions
The former board never publicly disclosed reasons for attempting Mullenweg's removal. Internal messages reveal directors acted without warning or opportunity for response. Legal experts note such abrupt actions typically indicate serious concerns about leadership or company direction. The lack of transparency leaves employees and observers speculating about underlying governance issues at the WordPress parent company.
6Founder's absolute control
Mullenweg's 84% voting share proved decisive in the power struggle, highlighting founder-controlled governance risks. He currently holds four key officer positions under Delaware law: CEO, President, Treasurer, and Secretary. This concentration of power enabled the rapid reversal of the board's decision, though it raises questions about checks and balances in the company's structure.
7Employee impact
Internal Slack announcements sought to reassure staff after what Mullenweg acknowledged was an 'unsettling' period. Employees faced uncertainty during the 33-hour leadership crisis, with no interim transition plan established. The CEO emphasized maintaining focus on Automattic's mission while overhauling its leadership and legal strategy during this turbulent phase.
8Startup governance lessons
This episode underscores the volatility of founder-led tech companies during growth phases. Mullenweg ironically noted that periodic coup attempts might indicate strong leadership hires. The events demonstrate how voting share structures can both protect and potentially isolate visionary founders. Automattic's experience offers case study material for startup governance and succession planning challenges.
Original article: TechCrunch — Automattic CEO Rebuilds Board After Failed Leadership Coup