Automattic board ousted after failed CEO removal attempt
Original: Sources say Automattic’s board is out after failed attempt to oust CEO Matt Mullenweg
Why This Matters
The episode exposes how founder-controlled private companies can rapidly neutralize board oversight attempts.
Automattic's entire board of directors has been removed or resigned following a failed attempt to oust CEO Matt Mullenweg via a paid leave vote. Mullenweg, who was away for just 33 hours, returned to lead the WordPress.com parent company with, per Automattic's own statement, the board's 'full support'—a board now composed of different people.
The power struggle at Automattic ended swiftly and decisively in Matt Mullenweg's favor. After the board voted to place him on paid leave, Mullenweg accused members of conspiring against him in a company Slack post. Within roughly 33 hours, he declared himself back in control—also via Slack—and Automattic confirmed his return on Saturday.
All three board members are now gone. Toni Schneider, Automattic's founding CEO and current Bluesky CEO, resigned his seat and quietly scrubbed references to Automattic from his personal website bio. Sue Decker also resigned, with her LinkedIn updated to show her board tenure ended in September 2026. Gen. Ann Dunwoody was removed by Mullenweg directly. Automattic's own board page had not yet reflected the changes at press time.
Automattic declined to name individuals but confirmed departures in a statement: 'Matt and Automattic's leadership team have great respect for everyone involved... we remain excited about what's ahead with Matt at the helm.' The company is expected to announce new board composition internally as early as Monday. Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan also updated his LinkedIn, suggesting further personnel shifts may be underway.