Automattic has a new board after failed attempt to put CEO on leave
Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has installed a new board after defeating an attempt by the previous board to place him on paid leave and remove him from the company’s leadership. The dispute highlights a major governance struggle at the parent company of WordPress.com, Tumblr and WooCommerce, where Mullenweg retains decisive voting control.
The new board includes science-fiction author Hugh Howey, author Amy Chan, and former IRL co-founders Henry Khatachryan and Krutal Desai, alongside several new advisers. Mullenweg said he controls 84% of Automattic’s voting power and regained control after 33 hours and 20 minutes; former directors resigned or were removed, while the CFO and chief legal officer were also dismissed.
- Mullenweg has replaced Automattic’s board after resisting an attempted removal.
- He controls 84% of the company’s voting power.
- The new directors include authors, founders and technology advisers.