Matt Mullenweg
Co-founder and CEO of Automattic and one of the core creators of the open-source content management system WordPress, holding prominent standing in the global open-source community.
Core Facts
Timeline (last 90 days)
In 2024, a public conflict between Mullenweg and hosting provider WP Engine raised community concerns about the neutrality of WordPress governance.
During Matt Mullenweg's brief absence, Automattic's CFO Mark Davies and General Counsel Andy Missan signed each other's severance agreements.
Automattic has not yet provided a comprehensive official statement on the specific details of the board replacement, the new governance arrangements, or Mullenweg's ultimate status.
After a board vote to temporarily remove Matt Mullenweg for several days, the entire board was cleared out.
Automattic's board of directors had previously attempted to remove Mullenweg but was unsuccessful.
Mullenweg also serves as chairman of the WordPress Foundation.
Mullenweg's return received the full support of the board of directors.
Mullenweg has on multiple occasions used his control over WordPress.org to intervene in commercial disputes.
The leave decision was passed over Mullenweg's own objections.
The Automattic board of directors has mandated that founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg take a leave of absence.
17 more timeline events
All Facts (13)
Matt Mullenweg is the co-founder and CEO of Automattic.
80%Partially VerifiedMatt Mullenweg is one of the core creators of WordPress, the open-source content management system.
65%UnverifiedMullenweg also serves as chairman of the WordPress Foundation.
50%UnverifiedMullenweg's return received the full support of the board of directors.
50%UnverifiedMullenweg has on multiple occasions used his control over WordPress.org to intervene in commercial disputes.
50%UnverifiedWordPress.org is effectively controlled by Mullenweg, rather than being operated through an independent foundation.
50%UnverifiedOver the past year or more, Mullenweg has been involved in a public conflict with managed hosting provider WP Engine.
50%UnverifiedIn 2024, a public conflict between Mullenweg and hosting provider WP Engine raised community concerns about the neutrality of WordPress governance.
50%UnverifiedDuring Matt Mullenweg's brief absence, Automattic's CFO Mark Davies and General Counsel Andy Missan signed each other's severance agreements.
50%UnverifiedAutomattic's board of directors had previously attempted to remove Mullenweg but was unsuccessful.
50%UnverifiedSome developers have publicly questioned Mullenweg's unilateral hardline decision-making.
50%UnverifiedMullenweg's fierce conflict with hosting provider WP Engine has pushed the WordPress community into a state of tension.
50%UnverifiedMullenweg took measures to restrict WP Engine's access to WordPress.org resources, including blocking WP Engine users from obtaining plugin updates through official channels.
50%