Matt Mullenweg, chief executive of WordPress.com parent company Automattic, has reportedly been placed on a paid leave of absence following a boardroom dispute. According to a report by 404 Media, Mullenweg claims that Automattic's chief financial officer, Mark Davies, conspired with board members to force him out temporarily, a move he says he voted against. The development marks a significant shake-up at the top of a major web infrastructure company, though Mullenweg is expected to remain involved as a board member.

Internal messages seen by 404 Media show Mullenweg naming Davies and board members Ann Dunwoody, Toni Schneider and Sue Decker as having voted for the leave of absence. Davies will take over as interim chief executive, with board member Toni Schneider stating the board asked Mullenweg to step away and expressing confidence in Davies to lead in his absence. Mullenweg, who co-founded WordPress.org and has led Automattic since 2014, previously drew controversy in 2024 for a public campaign against a major WordPress hosting provider, which sparked an ongoing legal dispute. Automattic had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.