Matt Mullenweg Briefly Ousted as Automattic CEO Before Rapid Reinstatement
What happened
On September 9, 2026, Automattic's board placed founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg on paid leave, only to reinstate him within 48 hours.
The Context
- Internal conflict: The board's decision to place Mullenweg on leave was unexpected and occurred without prior public indication of internal strife.
- Coup history: Mullenweg referred to this incident as the fifth coup attempt in the company's history, highlighting ongoing tensions within the leadership.
- Company impact: Automattic, known for powering 40% of the internet's websites through WordPress, relies heavily on Mullenweg's vision and leadership.
The Number
— This figure represents the share of websites on the internet powered by WordPress as of 2021, underscoring the platform's significance in the digital landscape.
Takeaway
Expect ongoing scrutiny of Automattic's leadership dynamics as the company navigates its future.
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