When a six-member board at Automattic voted to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on paid leave, the tech world watched closely. The move appeared sudden, especially given Mullenweg's long tenure and the board's history of mentorship under him. What followed was a dramatic 33-hour reversal that saw Mullenweg back in charge, three directors out, and the company's top finance and legal executives gone.

Introduction

The surprise vote came on September 9, just days after Mullenweg returned from Burning Man. In a Slack message to staff, Mullenweg revealed that directors including Mark Davies, Ann Dunwoody, Toni, and Sue Decker had conspired behind his back to remove him from his role. He wrote that he voted against that. Thirty-three hours later, Mullenweg was restored to power. The three dissenting directors, along with the CFO and chief legal officer, had resigned or been removed. Mullenweg's return was marked by a pop-culture reference: (Don't call it a comeback) Howdy everybody! he posted, linking to LL Cool J's Mama Said Knock You Out.

What Happened

The brief ouster sent shockwaves through the WordPress ecosystem. Automattic, the company behind the software powering over 40% of the web, is no stranger to internal conflict. The dispute quickly expanded beyond governance. Mullenweg's public fight with WP Engine, a major WordPress hosting provider, has escalated into a legal battle over trademark use, alleged extortion, and antitrust claims. With 159 employees accepting a voluntary buyout and investors left in the dark, the episode highlights the tension between open-source ideals and commercial interests that sustain them.

Why This Matters

The episode underscores how quickly governance disputes can destabilize a company built on open-source principles. With WordPress powering over 40% of the web, the clash between Automattic's founder and a major host highlights the fragile balance between contribution and profit. The revived antitrust claims and 159 staff departures signal that the fallout extends well beyond a single boardroom vote, shaping how the ecosystem trusts and sustains the software it relies on.

Key Takeaways

  • Swift reversal: Mullenweg reclaimed control within 33 hours, underscoring his personal voting power within Automattic.
  • Board dynamics: The six-member board, long loyal to Mullenweg, proved unable to overcome his voting dominance, suggesting the move was more symbolic than mathematically viable.
  • Legal escalation: The WP Engine lawsuit, now revived on antitrust grounds, adds significant risk to Automattic's future.
  • Staff impact: 159 employees took a buyout offer, reflecting internal strain over the very public conflict.
  • Governance question: How Mullenweg came to hold roughly 84% of voting power remains unclear, raising questions about accountability in open-source foundations.

Conclusion

What began as a surprise boardroom coup ended in a rapid reset, with Mullenweg back at the helm and a new board in place. The episode reveals how quickly governance disputes can unfold in a company built on open-source principles, and why the ongoing WP Engine battle matters far beyond a single organization. As Mullenweg quipped on X, if you don't have a coup attempt every few years, you're not hiring strong enough leaders, but for Automattic, the real test will be navigating the legal and cultural fallout that outlasted the 33-hour drama.