Mullenweg Claims Return to Control at Automattic

Matt Mullenweg has reportedly returned to the helm of Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, according to a Slack message that TechCrunch accessed. The message, sent to employees a few days after the board placed Mullenweg on leave, states that he is “back in control of the company.” Automattic has not yet confirmed the reversal of the board’s decision.

The board’s earlier action, which temporarily removed Mullenweg from his leadership role, was announced in late March. The reasons for the leave were not disclosed, and the company has not issued a statement explaining the board’s rationale or the circumstances that led to Mullenweg’s reinstatement. The Slack message suggests that the leadership transition has been reversed, but without an official announcement, employees and investors are left uncertain about the company’s governance status.

Until Automattic releases a formal statement, the situation remains ambiguous. Stakeholders will likely await clarification from the board or Mullenweg himself to understand the implications for the company’s strategy and operations.