🚨Automattic CEO Put on Leave Amidst Board Dispute
CEO's sudden leave raises questions about Automattic's future
TL;DR
Automattic CEO was put on leave by board members on September 9, 2026, in a move the CEO called a conspiracy. The decision came as a surprise, impacting the company's direction and morale.
Automattic CEO was put on leave by board members on September 9, 2026. The CEO, who co-founded WordPress, was blindsided by the decision, which was made without his knowledge. The CEO claimed in a company-wide Slack message that board members conspired behind his back. This move could impact the company's direction and morale, especially after the CEO's recent public appearances, including the summer WordPress update at WordCamp Torino in 2024. The decision was made on a Wednesday, and the CEO's leave is not voluntary, raising questions about the future of Automattic and its leadership.

Key Points
Automattic CEO was put on leave by board members on September 9, 2026, at 5:21 PM.
The CEO, who co-founded WordPress, was not aware of the decision beforehand.
The CEO claimed in a company-wide Slack message that board members conspired behind his back.
The decision came as a surprise, impacting the company's direction and morale.
The CEO's leave of absence was announced publicly, raising questions about the future of Automattic.
Why It Matters
Automattic's sudden leadership change could impact the direction of WordPress and other Automattic products. The CEO's absence could disrupt ongoing projects and partnerships, affecting the company's growth and innovation. Developers and users of WordPress and other Automattic tools should stay informed about any updates or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
Automattic's sudden leadership change could impact the direction of WordPress and other Automattic products. The CEO's absence could disrupt ongoing projects and partnerships, affecting the company's growth and innovation. Developers and users of WordPress and other Automattic tools should stay informed about any updates or changes.
What happened?
Automattic CEO was put on leave by board members on September 9, 2026, in a move the CEO called a conspiracy. The decision came as a surprise, impacting the company's direction and morale.
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