Key facts
- Automattic confirmed Matt Mullenweg has returned as CEO.
- The company stated Mullenweg has the full support of the board.
- Mullenweg was previously placed on a paid leave of absence by a board vote.
- Automattic's CFO Mark Davies had been named interim CEO.
- Mullenweg claimed he was back in control and had booted other admins from the company Slack.
Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has confirmed that founder Matt Mullenweg has returned to his position as CEO after a tumultuous week that saw him ousted by a board vote. The company issued a statement on Saturday evening stating, “Matt Mullenweg is the chairman and CEO of Automattic, with full support of the board.”
Earlier in the week, Automattic's board had voted to place Mullenweg on a paid leave of absence for undisclosed reasons. Mullenweg, who appeared surprised by the decision, posted on the company's Slack accusing board members of "conspiring" against him. Automattic had confirmed his removal to TechCrunch on Wednesday, with Chief Financial Officer Mark Davies stepping in as interim CEO.