Automattic's interim CEO and legal chief signed reciprocal severance deals during Mullenweg's brief ouster
News Source
β’Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:35:29 +0000
π° What Happened
Automattic's board put CEO Matt Mullenweg on paid leave on 9 September. He was back in the job about 33 hours later. The board members who voted him out have since left the company.
While he was away, CFO Mark Davies became interim CEO. He and legal chief Andy Missan signed each other's exit deals on 10 September. The two packages are worth $8.15 million in total.
Mullenweg fired both men when he returned. Automattic is now deciding whether to pay the money or fight the deals in court.
π The Backstory
Automattic runs WordPress.com and Tumblr. Mullenweg has led the company for years. He said the CFO worked with three board members to force the vote, and that he got only 50 minutes' notice.
The exit deals give a year of salary in one payment, faster share payouts and another year of health cover. The executives only get the money if they promise not to sue.
Automattic is also fighting a case with hosting firm WP Engine. In July, WP Engine accused Mullenweg of destroying evidence.
π― Why It Matters
It shows how messy a fight at the top of a big tech firm can get. Millions of WordPress sites depend on the company staying steady. Huge payouts for leaving also raise questions about who gets rewarded.
Automattic's board put CEO Matt Mullenweg on paid leave on 9 September. He was back in the job about 33 hours later. The board members who voted him out have since left the company.
While he was away, CFO Mark Davies became interim CEO. He and legal chief Andy Missan signed each other's exit deals on 10 September. The two packages are worth $8.15 million in total.
Mullenweg fired both men when he returned. Automattic is now deciding whether to pay the money or fight the deals in court.
Automattic runs WordPress.com and Tumblr. Mullenweg has led the company for years. He said the CFO worked with three board members to force the vote, and that he got only 50 minutes' notice.
The exit deals give a year of salary in one payment, faster share payouts and another year of health cover. The executives only get the money if they promise not to sue.
Automattic is also fighting a case with hosting firm WP Engine. In July, WP Engine accused Mullenweg of destroying evidence.
It shows how messy a fight at the top of a big tech firm can get. Millions of WordPress sites depend on the company staying steady. Huge payouts for leaving also raise questions about who gets rewarded.