The Verge
Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg reportedly placed on leave
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Matt Mullenweg was placed on paid leave as CEO of Automattic, the owner of WordPress.com, according to an internal announcement reviewed by 404 Media. In the announcement, Mullenweg stated that Automattic's chief financial officer Mark Davies and board members voted to place him on leave. The announcement did not specify the duration of the leave or the reasons cited by the board for the decision.