Matt Mullenweg tells (trolls?) Automattic staff, saying he’s back in control after CEO ouster

Automattic's leadership has been reinstated to its founder after a tumultuous period. Your access to Automattic services and your data remains unchanged as the company navigates internal disputes.

Automattic founder Matt Mullenweg announced on Slack that he is back in control of the company, just days after the board voted to remove him as CEO. The board had placed Mullenweg on paid leave and appointed CFO Mark Davies as interim CEO. Mullenweg stated that board members "conspired" behind his back but expressed hope that recent events were a "misunderstanding." He shared a link to LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out" music video following his announcement. Sources indicate that Davies' Slack account has been deactivated and Mullenweg removed all Slack admins. Mullenweg also posted cryptic messages on social media, referring to himself as a "pirate" and suggesting external forces, possibly private equity firm Silver Lake, were involved in his ouster.

The rapid reversal of a board-level decision to oust a founder signals a potential internal power struggle and the significant influence founders can still wield, even in companies with substantial venture backing. Automattic's board, which voted to remove Mullenweg, appears to have reversed its decision under pressure or due to new information, highlighting the fragility of corporate governance in tech startups where founder charisma and community support can override formal processes. This event may embolden other founders facing similar challenges to rally support and push back against board decisions. This situation raises questions about Automattic's stability and future direction, particularly concerning its relationship with its majority owner, Silver Lake, and its commitment to the open-source ethos. The unusual communication methods and Mullenweg's 'pirate' persona suggest a chaotic internal environment, which could impact employee morale and operational execution. Investors and competitors will be watching closely to see how Automattic resolves these internal conflicts and whether this event portends future instability or a renewed focus under founder leadership.