Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has placed its founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg on a paid leave of absence, a move reportedly against his wishes. The decision was made by the company's board members, including CFO Mark Davies, Ann Dunwoody, Toni Schneider, and Sue Decker, who voted on the matter without Mullenweg's prior knowledge or the opportunity for legal counsel review. Davies was appointed interim CEO, while Mullenweg remains on the board but has been sidelined from daily leadership duties at Automattic.

The reasons behind the board's decision remain unclear, though tensions have been mounting amid a prolonged legal battle between Automattic and WP Engine. The lawsuit centers on royalty fee disputes and claims of misuse of the WordPress brand, with WP Engine accusing Mullenweg of defamation and misconduct. Additionally, under Mullenweg’s leadership, the company has experienced significant internal strife, including large staff departures and controversies related to the handling of WordPress.org contributor accounts.

Despite the upheaval at Automattic, the open source WordPress project itself remains unaffected by this leadership change, with executive director Mary Hubbard affirming continuity in the project's direction and priorities. Mullenweg himself appeared defiant on social media, hinting at ongoing legal struggles and anticipating negative press following his leave of absence. Sources suggest the timing coincides with Mullenweg's return from the Burning Man festival, after which he usually shares new ideas or initiatives.

In the days following the leave announcement, a shakeup of Automattic’s board occurred, with the departure of the board members who voted for Mullenweg's leave. Mullenweg reclaimed control as CEO and removed or saw the resignation of key figures such as Toni Schneider, Sue Decker, and Ann Dunwoody from the board. Automattic confirmed Mullenweg’s return to leadership with full board support and indicated the company is moving forward under his direction, though the exact causes of the initial ouster remain undisclosed.