Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has been placed on a paid leave of absence, according to internal messages seen by 404 Media and TechCrunch. In a Slack message shared with employees, Mullenweg stated that the board, including CFO Mark Davies and board members Ann Dunwoody, Toni Schneider, and Sue Decker, voted to place him on leave. He claimed the decision was made without his consent and that he voted against it. The messages were first reported by 404 Media, which cited internal communications confirming the board’s action.

The board has asked Mullenweg to step away from his CEO role and take a leave of absence, with Davies serving as interim CEO. Mullenweg will remain on the board, according to the messages. Automattic confirmed the move in an emailed statement to TechCrunch, stating that Mullenweg is on leave and that Davies will lead the company as interim CEO. The company has not provided a detailed explanation for the decision, though sources suggest the timing may be linked to Mullenweg’s return from the Burning Man festival, which ended on September 7.

Mullenweg’s tenure at Automattic, which he founded in 2003, has been marked by controversy and legal challenges. The company is embroiled in a protracted legal battle with WP Engine, a WordPress web hosting competitor. WP Engine sued Automattic and Mullenweg in October 2024, accusing them of defamation and abuse of power. Automattic filed counterclaims, and the dispute has led to tensions within the company. In 2024, Mullenweg told employees to quit if they disagreed with him, resulting in 159 resignations. Last year, the company also laid off 16% of its staff, including some long-term employees.

The board’s decision to place Mullenweg on leave has sparked mixed reactions among employees. Some expressed relief or excitement, while others voiced concerns about the instability the move may create. Mary Hubbard, executive director of WordPress.org, confirmed that Mullenweg’s leave does not affect the open-source WordPress project, which he continues to lead. However, the broader implications for Automattic’s future remain unclear. The company’s recent actions, including the legal battles and layoffs, suggest a period of significant internal and external pressure.

What remains unknown is the exact reason for the board’s decision and whether Mullenweg’s allegations of conspiracy are substantiated. The company has not provided further details, and Mullenweg has not commented publicly. The situation highlights the challenges faced by leadership in a company with a complex legal and operational landscape. As Automattic navigates this transition, the impact on its culture, strategy, and long-term direction will be closely watched.