Automattic board reshuffled after failed move to sideline CEO Matt Mullenweg

Automattic’s board underwent a rapid transformation after members voted to place CEO Matt Mullenweg on a paid leave of absence, a decision he publicly called a plot against him. Mullenweg used the company’s Slack channel to inform staff that he was back in charge, a claim later. Reports indicate that founding CEO Toni Schneider, who now leads Bluesky, resigned his board seat and edited his personal website to remove mentions of his Automattic involvement.

Additionally, board members Sue Decker and Gen. Ann Dunwoody have also departed, as reflected in updated LinkedIn profiles. The departures align with those who supported the leave vote, suggesting a direct link between the failed ouster and the board turnover. Automattic has not disclosed full details but expressed gratitude for the departing members and affirmed confidence in its future under Mullenweg. An internal announcement about the reconstituted board is expected in the coming days.