Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg reportedly placed on leave

<figure> <img alt="A photo of Matt Mullenweg" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/gettyimages-2181259946.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Matt Mullenweg, the CEO of WordPress.com owner Automattic, has been placed on a paid leave of absence, according <a href="https://www.404media.co/wordpress-automattic-ceo-matt-mullenweg-put-on-leave-of-absence/">to a report from <em>404 Media</em></a>. In an internal announcement viewed by the outlet, Mullenweg claims Automattic chief financial officer Mark Davies "conspired" with board members to place him on leave.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">"They voted to put me on a paid leave of absence. I voted against that," Mullenweg wrote, referring to Davies, along with Automattic board members Ann Dunwoody, Toni Schneider, and Sue Decker, <em>404 Media </em>reports. Mullenweg, who also co-founded WordPress.org, has headed up Automattic since 2014. In 2024, Mullenweg <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/27/24256361/wordpress-wp-engine-drama-explained-matt-mullenweg">waged a public pressure c …</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/993022/wordpress-automattic-ceo-matt-mullenweg-leave-of-absence">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>