Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg 'forced' into leave of absence by WordPress parent company board

Automattic's CEO, Matt Mullenweg, has been placed on a paid leave of absence by the company's board. However, the duration of this leave is yet to be disclosed by Automattic. The board's decision to put Mullenweg on leave is currently unclear, with speculation suggesting it may be a temporary measure. The reason behind the decision remains undisclosed, though employees seem to have mixed reactions, with some expressing relief while others are unhappy.

Mullenweg claims the board gave him only 50 minutes' notice before the meeting and did not provide enough time to consult with a lawyer. Despite his membership in the board, Mullenweg voted against the change but was overruled. In his place, CFO Mark Davies has been appointed as interim CEO. Mullenweg asserts that he remains the leader of the WordPress project and continues to serve as Executive Director of WordPress.org.

His decision to take a leave of absence does not affect the operations of Automattic and the WordPress project.