Automattic's board has put its own CEO on paid leave.
Matt Mullenweg, who has led WordPress.com parent Automattic since 2014, was placed on a paid leave of absence, as 404 Media first reported. In an internal message, Mullenweg said chief financial officer Mark Davies "conspired" with board members Ann Dunwoody, Toni Schneider, and Sue Decker to force the vote, and that he personally voted against it. Mullenweg also cofounded WordPress.org. The reporting does not include the board's stated reason for the leave.
Mullenweg does not just run Automattic. He also personally controls WordPress.org, the nonprofit that governs the open-source software running a large share of the web, and that dual role has caused friction before. Two years ago he used that leverage in a bitter dispute with hosting rival WP Engine, cutting off its access to WordPress.org's servers and prompting lawsuits and developer backlash. A board willing to sideline him now, even temporarily and with pay, suggests his authority inside Automattic has real limits.
As of this report, Mullenweg remains on paid leave, and Automattic has not named an interim CEO or explained the board's reasoning.