Matt Mullenweg tells Automattic staff in Slack he's back in control after ouster

Automattic's internal power struggle is resolved, with Matt Mullenweg asserting control, which means no immediate changes are forced upon WordPress users.

Matt Mullenweg, founder of Automattic, has communicated to staff via Slack that he has regained control of the company, shortly after the board voted to oust him as CEO. The board had placed Mullenweg on a paid leave of absence, appointing CFO Mark Davies as interim CEO. Mullenweg's message to staff indicated a "misunderstanding" and expressed respect for those involved, while also linking to LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out." He also stated that the board is now in agreement and he is back in control. Sources report that Davies' Slack account has been deactivated, and Mullenweg had previously removed Slack admins and posted about being a "pirate." Mullenweg had also alluded to a plan to move his data elsewhere, suggesting involvement from private equity firm Silver Lake, which is in litigation with Automattic.

The rapid reversal of Automattic's board decision suggests internal governance challenges or external pressures may have led to the initial ouster and swift reinstatement of Matt Mullenweg. The company's failure to confirm the events or Mullenweg's statement raises questions about transparency and the stability of its leadership structure going forward. Mullenweg's own communications, including cryptic social media posts and a public call for help moving data, add to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

This episode highlights the volatility that can occur at founder-led companies, particularly when significant stakes or ongoing litigation are involved. The involvement of Silver Lake, a major investor in a competitor, could signal broader industry conflicts or strategic maneuvers. How Automattic's board and key stakeholders navigate this situation will be crucial for maintaining trust and operational continuity within the company and its open-source ecosystem.