🔥Automattic CEO Rebuilds Board After 33-Hour Battle
CEO's 33-Hour Power Play
TL;DR
Automattic CEO rebuilt the board after a 33-hour battle, ousting directors who tried to oust him. New board includes sci-fi author and IRL co-founder. Chaos reigns as legal battles heat up.
Automattic CEO rebuilt the company's board just weeks after the previous directors tried to oust him. The CEO, in a 33-hour power play, removed or accepted the resignations of directors involved in the ousting attempt. The new board includes a best-selling science fiction author and the co-founder of the social app IRL. This move reshapes Automattic's leadership and sets the stage for a new direction. The company is now involved in a lawsuit with WP Engine over trademark disputes and contributions to the WordPress open source project.
Key Points
CEO ousted directors in 33 hours, replacing them with new board members including sci-fi author Hugh Howie and IRL co-founder Mike Krieger.
Automattic CEO retained Gen. Ann Dunwoody from the board, despite her involvement in the ousting attempt.
CEO let go of CFO Mark Davies and Chief Legal Officer Andy Missan, who were slated to become interim CEO and were involved in the ousting attempt.
Automattic CEO appointed new legal counsel, Susman Godfrey LLP, to handle ongoing trademark disputes with WP Engine.
CEO acknowledged the chaos caused by the boardroom fight, but remains in control with a new board and legal team.
Why It Matters
The CEO's swift action reshapes Automattic's leadership, impacting the company's direction and legal battles. The new board includes influential figures like Hugh Howie and Mike Krieger, signaling a shift in strategy and priorities. Automattic's ongoing lawsuit with WP Engine over trademark disputes and contributions to the WordPress open source project adds another layer of complexity.
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