Multiple sources have confirmed to TechCrunch that Automattic’s board of directors has been completely replaced. The restructuring follows a failed effort last week to remove CEO Matt Mullenweg by placing him on paid leave.
After the board voted to suspend Mullenweg, the WordPress founder accused them of conspiring against him in an internal Slack message. On Friday, Mullenweg informed staff via another Slack post that he had regained control of the company. Automattic officially confirmed his return on Saturday.
According to sources, Toni Schneider, the company’s founding CEO who now leads the open social network Bluesky, was the first to resign. Schneider has since deleted references to his Automattic contributions from his personal website bio. Previously, his profile highlighted his role as a board member and special advisor supporting internal projects.
Reports also indicate that Mullenweg removed two other board members: Sue Decker and Ann Dunwoody. Decker’s LinkedIn profile now states her board service ended in September 2026, although she remains listed on Automattic’s official website as of publication.
When approached for comment, Automattic declined to name specific individuals but acknowledged the departures. An email from a spokesperson stated, “Matt and Automattic’s leadership team have great respect for everyone involved. While we can’t comment on specific individuals, we’re thankful for their contributions to Automattic and its mission, and we remain excited about what’s ahead with Matt at the helm.”
The spokesperson added that Mullenweg was away for only 33 hours and 20 minutes before returning to work. TechCrunch has learned that Automattic may announce the new board composition internally on Monday.
The ouster attempt appears linked to Mullenweg’s return, which was described as having “full board support” in Saturday’s statement. Since the departing members were those who voted for the leave of absence, the shakeup clarifies how such consensus was achieved.
The internal turmoil comes amidst a high-profile lawsuit between Automattic and WordPress hosting company WP Engine. Mullenweg has accused WP Engine of trademark infringement and failing to contribute adequate engineering resources or funding to the open-source WordPress project. Earlier this year, WP Engine alleged that Automattic planned to target additional competitors with royalty fees. More recently, WP Engine accused Mullenweg of allegedly destroying evidence in messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram. Last year, Mullenweg deactivated accounts of several WordPress contributors over fears they might fork the software.
Board reshuffles are common, but replacing the entire thing after one failed vote signals deep internal dysfunction.
Schneider vanishing his bio feels petty. I wonder if he’s worried Automattic will sue him too over past contributions?
Did anyone actually read the part about deleting WhatsApp evidence? That sounds like a major legal liability in that lawsuit.
Thirty-three hours? That is barely a long weekend. Talk about a dramatic but short-lived hiatus for a CEO.