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Automattic says Matt Mullenweg is CEO again after board-ordered leave

Automattic's spokesperson called WordPress co-creator Matt Mullenweg chairman and CEO with the board's full support, but no public board statement documents a formal reinstatement.

By RuntimeWire Staff · Published Sep 12th, 2026, 6:42pm CT

Primary source: TechCrunch

Why it matters

Automattic confirmed on September 9th that its board had placed founder Matt Mullenweg on leave and named Mark Davies interim CEO. Mullenweg claimed two days later that he was back in control, and a company spokesperson subsequently called him chairman and CEO with the board's full support, but no public board statement explains a formal reinstatement or how authority is now divided.

A professional executive office with a modern ergonomic chair pulled up to a large wooden desk, implying a leader's return.

Matt Mullenweg (@photomatt) is chairman and CEO of Automattic, according to an Automattic spokesperson, three days after Automattic confirmed that its board had put him on paid leave and installed CFO Mark Davies as interim CEO. Automattic described Mullenweg as chairman and CEO to TechCrunch on Saturday evening, saying he had the "full support of the board."…

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